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Clitocybe infundibuliformis, commonly known as the Common Funnel, is a widespread and relatively common mushroom characterized by its distinctive funnel-shaped cap, decurrent gills, and pale coloration. It is a saprobic species, playing a role in the decomposition of organic matter in woodland ecosystems.
How to Identify
- Cap
- The cap measures 3-10 cm in diameter. Initially convex with a central depression, it soon becomes deeply funnel-shaped, often with a wavy or lobed margin. The color varies from pale buff, cream, or yellowish-tan to reddish-brown, often fading with age. The surface is dry and smooth, sometimes slightly downy when young.
- Gills
- The gills are decurrent (running down the stem), crowded, and narrow. They are typically whitish to cream or pale buff, often concolorous with the cap or slightly paler.
- Stem
- The stem is 3-8 cm long and 0.5-1.5 cm thick, central, and often tapering towards the base. It is concolorous with the cap or slightly paler, smooth or finely fibrillose, and often has a slightly swollen base. It is solid when young, becoming hollow with age.
- Flesh
- The flesh is thin, soft, and whitish, not changing color when cut or bruised. It has a mild taste and a faint, pleasant, sometimes slightly aromatic odor.
- Fruiting body
- The fruiting body is typically funnel-shaped, ranging from convex with a depressed center when young to deeply infundibuliform (funnel-shaped) with an uplifted margin in maturity.
- Habitat
- Saprobic, growing on leaf litter, woody debris, or soil in deciduous and coniferous woodlands. It can be found singly, scattered, or in small groups.
Key Facts
- Cap surfaces: Dry, smooth, sometimes finely downy when young
- Growth Form: Solitary, scattered, or in small groups
- Spore Print: White to cream
- Body color: Pale buff, cream, yellowish-tan to reddish-brown
- Odor: Faint, pleasant, slightly aromatic
- Flesh bruises: No
- Height: 3-8 cm
- Cap Diameter: 3-10 cm
- Nutrient gathering: Saprobic
Safe
SafeClitocybe infundibuliformis is generally considered edible, but it is not highly regarded for its culinary qualities. It has a mild flavor and can be used in various dishes. However, extreme caution must be exercised due to the presence of several highly poisonous look-alikes within the Clitocybe genus, particularly the white Clitocybe species (e.g., Clitocybe dealbata, Clitocybe rivulosa) which contain muscarine and can cause severe poisoning, including death. NEVER consume any mushroom unless 100% certain of its identification. If in doubt, discard it.
Quick Check
- Odor: Faint, pleasant, slightly aromatic
- Fruiting: Late summer to autumn
- Substrate: Leaf litter, woody debris, soil in woodlands
Where to Find
Deciduous Woodlands
Commonly found in broadleaf forests, particularly under oak, beech, and birch trees, growing on leaf litter or decaying wood.
Coniferous Woodlands
Also occurs in conifer forests, often among pine needles or on decaying conifer wood.
Mixed Woodlands
Thrives in mixed forest environments where both deciduous and coniferous trees are present.
Finding Tips
Seasonal Availability
Typically fruits from late summer through autumn (August to November) in temperate regions.
Substrate Preference
Look for it growing directly on the ground, often among leaf litter or moss, rather than directly on wood, though it is saprobic.
Growth Habit
Can be found singly, scattered, or in small clusters. Its pale color can make it blend in with dry leaves.
Geographic Distribution
Widespread and common throughout Europe and North America.
Similar Species
Clouded Funnel
Clitocybe
Also known as: Clitocybe nebularis
Ivory Funnel
Clitocybe
Also known as: Clitocybe dealbata
Fool's Funnel
Clitocybe
Also known as: Clitocybe rivulosa
Trooping Funnel
Clitocybe
Also known as: Clitocybe geotropa
Scientific Classification
- Phylum
- Basidiomycota
- Class
- Agaricomycetes
- Order
- Agaricales
- Family
- Tricholomataceae
- Genus
- Clitocybe
Storage Information
- Max Temperature: 4°C
- Freezing duration: 6 months
- Min Temperature: 0°C
- Refrigeration: 5 days
How to Clean
Gently brush off any debris with a soft brush or damp cloth. Avoid washing under running water as mushrooms absorb water easily, which can affect texture and flavor. Trim off any soiled or insect-damaged parts of the stem.
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