Species details
Golden scalycap
Pholiota aurivella
Inedible
Photo: mycowalt · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Photo source · License
Description
A large golden-yellow to orange Pholiota on wood, often with a sticky cap and brownish scales; the Slovenian source lists it as inedible.
Identification features
The cap is golden yellow to orange, sticky or slimy when wet, with brownish scales. Gills mature from yellowish to brown. The stem has veil remnants and scales.
Identification checklist
Check the golden-yellow sticky cap with brown scales and direct growth on wood. Spore print is also important for separating Pholiota species.
How to separate similar species
Pholiota squarrosa usually has a drier, more strongly shaggy-scaled cap. The golden Pholiota group is taxonomically difficult.
Habitat
Grows in clusters on trunks and stumps of broadleaved trees, occasionally conifers, mainly in autumn.
Fruiting period
August, September, October, November
Similar species
- Shaggy scalycap (Pholiota squarrosa)
- Pholiota adiposa
- Armillaria species