Species details
Russet toughshank
Gymnopus dryophilus
Traditionally edible
Photo: pinonbistro · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Photo source · License
Description
A common small brownish woodland mushroom with crowded pale gills and a long slender stem, often growing in groups on leaf litter.
Identification features
The cap is 2–5 cm wide, ochre- to pale brown, hygrophanous and paler when dry. Gills are white, narrow and crowded. The stem is 4–8 cm long, slender, pale brown and lighter near the top.
Identification checklist
Check the crowded white gills, slender tough stem and smooth hygrophanous brownish cap. Stem-base structure is also useful in Gymnopus-like fungi.
How to separate similar species
Collybiopsis peronata has a hairy stem base and very acrid flesh and is poisonous. Do not identify for food by cap colour alone.
Habitat
Grows in woodland and beside paths on old leaf litter and small woody debris, especially in spring but also in autumn.
Fruiting period
April, May, June, September, October
Similar species
- Wood woolly-foot (Collybiopsis peronata)
- Gymnopus aquosus
- Gymnopus ocior