Species details
Pale brittlestem
Candolleomyces candolleanus
Traditionally edible
Photo: Karim Haddad · CC BY 4.0 · Photo source · License
Description
A pale, thin-fleshed mushroom growing singly or in clusters on soil and woody debris, with gills darkening from pale to purplish-brown.
Identification features
Cap about 3–6 cm, yellowish when young, later whitish to buff, thin-fleshed and often with veil remnants at the margin. Gills are whitish first, then pink and finally purplish-brown. Stem is white and slender.
Identification checklist
Check the pale thin-fleshed cap, possible veil remnants at the margin and gills turning purplish-brown with age.
How to separate similar species
Related brittlestems can look similar; old or washed-out specimens require caution.
Habitat
Grows in deciduous and mixed woodland, parks, on stumps or soil near woody debris, from late spring to autumn.
Fruiting period
June, July, August, September, October
Similar species
- Psathyrella piluliformis
- Weeping widow (Lacrymaria lacrymabunda)
- Psathyrella species