How to identify Green Stain Fungus

To correctly identify Green Stain Fungus (Chlorociboria aeruginascens), 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.

   Small, cup-shaped apothecium, typically 0.2-0.5 cm in diameter. Bright green color.

2. 2

   Gills

   Attachment to stem, color, and spacing.

   Absent (Apothecium)

3. 3

   Stem

   Length, shape, surface, and any ring.

   Short, stubby stem may be present, but often the apothecia are sessile (directly attached to the substrate).

4. 4

   Flesh

   Color, texture, and bruising reaction.

   Thin, green.

5. 5

   Fruiting body

   Overall growth pattern.

   Small, cup-shaped, bright green.

6. 6

   Habitat

   Where it grows and on what substrate.

   Decaying wood, especially in damp woodlands.

Key Facts

Cap surfaces

Smooth

Growth Form

Cup-shaped apothecium

Spore Print

Pale greenish

Body color

Bright green

Odor

Not distinctive

Flesh bruises

N/A

Height

Very short, typically less than 0.5 cm

Cap Diameter

0.2-0.5 cm

Fruit body characteristics

• Gill attachment: N/A (Apothecium)
• Stem shape: Short, stubby stem if present
• Stem surface: Smooth
• Ring: Absent
• Stem cross-section: N/A

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