How to identify Honey Fungus

To correctly identify Honey Fungus (Armillaria mellea), check each of these features in order. Misidentification is the most common cause of mushroom poisoning, so cross-reference multiple sources.

Step-by-step identification

1. 1

   Cap

   Shape, color, surface texture, and diameter.

   The cap is typically 3-15 cm in diameter, convex to flattened, and has a honey-yellow to brownish color. The surface may be slightly sticky when moist and often has small scales or fibrils.

2. 2

   Gills

   Attachment to stem, color, and spacing.

   The gills are attached to the stem (adnate to slightly decurrent), closely spaced, and white to cream-colored. They may develop brownish spots with age.

3. 3

   Stem

   Length, shape, surface, and any ring.

   The stem is typically 5-20 cm long and 1-3 cm thick, often tapering towards the base. It is yellowish-brown to brown in color and may have a ring (annulus) near the top. The stem surface can be fibrous or scaly.

4. 4

   Flesh

   Color, texture, and bruising reaction.

   The flesh of the cap is white to pale yellow and does not change color when bruised.

5. 5

   Fruiting body

   Overall growth pattern.

   The fruiting bodies of Armillaria mellea are mushrooms that typically grow in clusters. They have a cap, gills, and a stem.

6. 6

   Habitat

   Where it grows and on what substrate.

   Armillaria mellea is commonly found at the base of trees, on decaying wood, or in the soil near infected trees. It can grow on a wide variety of deciduous and coniferous trees.

Key Facts

Cap surfaces

Slightly sticky when moist, often with small scales or fibrils

Growth Form

Clustered

Spore Print

White

Body color

Honey-yellow to brownish

Odor

Faintly mushroomy or slightly acidic

Flesh bruises

Does not change color

Height

5-20 cm

Cap Diameter

3-15 cm

Fruit body characteristics

• Gill attachment: Adnate to slightly decurrent
• Stem shape: Tapering towards the base
• Stem surface: Fibrous or scaly
• Ring: Present (annulus)
• Stem cross-section: Solid

Explore Honey Fungus