Species details
Stinking dapperling
Lepiota cristata
Deadly poisonous
Photo: Chiranjivisubedi · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Photo source · License
Description
A small whitish dapperling with a brown centre and concentrically arranged brown scales, thin stem, fleeting ring and unpleasant smell.
Identification features
The cap is small, with a brown central boss and brown scales on a white background. Gills are white, crowded and free. The stem is thin and fragile; the delicate membranous ring may disappear quickly.
Identification checklist
Check the small fruitbody, brown central disc and fine brown scales on a white background, white free gills and very thin stem with a fleeting ring. The entire stem base must be visible.
How to separate similar species
Small Lepiota species are very similar and include deadly poisonous mushrooms. Do not confuse them with large Macrolepiota parasols; size alone is insufficient, and small uncertain dapperlings should never be eaten.
Habitat
In woodland, parks, gardens and grassy places; from late spring to late autumn.
Fruiting period
May, June, July, August, September, October, November
Similar species
- Lepiota species
- Leucoagaricus species
- Macrolepiota species