How to identify The Clouded Agaric

To correctly identify The Clouded Agaric (Clitocybe nebularis), 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 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.

2. 2

   Gills

   Attachment to stem, color, and spacing.

   The gills of the Clouded Agaric are crowded, decurrent (running down the stem), and white to creamy-white in color.

3. 3

   Stem

   Length, shape, surface, and any ring.

   The stem of the Clouded Agaric is white to grayish-brown, cylindrical, and solid. It is often covered in a whitish bloom.

4. 4

   Flesh

   Color, texture, and bruising reaction.

   The flesh of the Clouded Agaric is white and firm. It has a mild, slightly sweet odor.

5. 5

   Fruiting body

   Overall growth pattern.

   The Clouded Agaric has a large, fleshy fruiting body with a distinctive clouded appearance. It is typically found growing in clusters.

6. 6

   Habitat

   Where it grows and on what substrate.

   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

Fruit body characteristics

• Gill attachment: Decurrent
• Stem shape: Cylindrical
• Stem surface: Smooth
• Ring: None
• Stem cross-section: Solid

Explore The Clouded Agaric