How to identify White Spindles

To correctly identify White Spindles (Clavaria vermicularis), 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.

   Not applicable, as Clavaria vermicularis is a coral fungus and does not possess a distinct cap.

2. 2

   Gills

   Attachment to stem, color, and spacing.

   Not applicable, as Clavaria vermicularis is a coral fungus and does not possess gills.

3. 3

   Stem

   Length, shape, surface, and any ring.

   The fruiting body itself functions as the stem, arising directly from the substrate. It is concolorous with the rest of the fruiting body, pure white, and often slightly thicker at the base.

4. 4

   Flesh

   Color, texture, and bruising reaction.

   The flesh is white, brittle, and watery. It has no distinctive odor or taste.

5. 5

   Fruiting body

   Overall growth pattern.

   The fruiting bodies are typically 2-10 cm tall and 2-5 mm thick, unbranched, cylindrical to spindle-shaped, often tapering slightly towards the apex. They are pure white, smooth, and often grow in dense clusters, sometimes appearing somewhat fused at the base. They are brittle and hollow or solid when young, becoming hollow with age.

6. 6

   Habitat

   Where it grows and on what substrate.

   Typically found growing gregariously or in dense clusters on soil, often in grassy areas, lawns, pastures, and open woodlands. It prefers disturbed ground and nutrient-rich soils.

Key Facts

Cap surfaces

Not applicable

Growth Form

Gregarious to caespitose (in dense clusters)

Spore Print

White

Body color

Pure white

Odor

Indistinct

Flesh bruises

Does not bruise

Height

2-10 cm

Cap Diameter

Not applicable

Fruit body characteristics

• Gill attachment: Not applicable
• Stem shape: Cylindrical to spindle-shaped (the entire fruiting body)
• Stem surface: Smooth
• Ring: Absent
• Stem cross-section: Solid when young, becoming hollow with age

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