Species details

Weeping widow

Lacrymaria lacrymabunda

Inedible
Weeping widow – Lacrymaria lacrymabunda

Photo: Annie Weissman · CC BY 4.0 · Photo source · License

Description

A brown hairy gilled mushroom whose young gills often bear dark droplets, growing in groups on soil or buried wood.

Identification features

Cap up to about 10 cm, brown, felted-hairy and often slightly umbonate. Gills change from pale ochre to very dark, almost black, with a pale edge. Stem is whitish to brownish and lacks a persistent ring.

Identification checklist

Check the brown hairy cap, very dark mature gills with a pale edge and possible droplets on young gills.

How to separate similar species

Similar brittlestems are fragile and dark-spored; atypical specimens may require microscopy.

Habitat

Grows in groups or clusters on soil, grass and buried woody debris from late spring to late autumn.

Fruiting period

May, June, July, August, September, October, November

Similar species

Extended-description sources