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The Clouded Agaric (Clitocybe nebularis) is a widespread fungus found in deciduous and coniferous forests across North America, Europe, and Asia. It is characterized by its large, whitish to grayish-brown cap, which can grow up to 15 centimeters in diameter. The cap is often covered in a whitish bloom, which gives the mushroom its distinctive clouded appearance.
How to Identify
- Cap
- The cap of the Clouded Agaric is large, whitish to grayish-brown, and can grow up to 15 centimeters in diameter. It is often covered in a whitish bloom, which gives the mushroom its distinctive clouded appearance. The cap is convex when young and flattens out with age.
- Gills
- The gills of the Clouded Agaric are crowded, decurrent (running down the stem), and white to creamy-white in color.
- Stem
- The stem of the Clouded Agaric is white to grayish-brown, cylindrical, and solid. It is often covered in a whitish bloom.
- Flesh
- The flesh of the Clouded Agaric is white and firm. It has a mild, slightly sweet odor.
- Fruiting body
- The Clouded Agaric has a large, fleshy fruiting body with a distinctive clouded appearance. It is typically found growing in clusters.
- Habitat
- The Clouded Agaric is a saprobic fungus, meaning that it gets its nutrients from decaying organic matter. It is commonly found growing in clusters on the ground in deciduous and coniferous forests.
Key Facts
- Cap surfaces: Smooth, often covered in a whitish bloom
- Growth Form: Clustered
- Spore Print: White
- Body color: Whitish to grayish-brown
- Odor: Mild, slightly sweet
- Flesh bruises: May bruise slightly brown
- Height: 5-10 cm
- Cap Diameter: 5-15 cm
- Nutrient gathering: Saprobic
Toxic
Moderate ToxicityThe Clouded Agaric is considered toxic, and can cause gastrointestinal upset. Symptoms of poisoning include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal cramps.
Quick Check
- Odor: Mild, slightly sweet
- Fruiting: Clustered
- Substrate: Ground
Where to Find
Forests
Deciduous and coniferous forests across North America, Europe, and Asia.
Finding Tips
Where to Find Clouded Agarics
Look for clusters of mushrooms growing on the ground, often in association with trees. They typically appear in late summer and fall, and can be found in both deciduous and coniferous forests.
Similar Species
The Smooth-Stemmed Clitocybe
Mushroom
Also known as: Clitocybe gibba
The Club-Foot Clitocybe
Mushroom
Also known as: Clitocybe clavipes
Scientific Classification
- Phylum
- Basidiomycota
- Class
- Agaricomycetes
- Order
- Agaricales
- Family
- Tricholomataceae
- Genus
- Clitocybe
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