How to identify Rufous Funnel

To correctly identify Rufous Funnel (Clitocybe rivulosa), 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.

   Initially convex with an incurved margin, expanding to plano-convex or funnel-shaped (infundibuliform) with a depressed center. The margin often remains inrolled or wavy. Color is white to cream, pale buff, or rufous (reddish-brown), often with faint concentric zones, particularly when young or wet. The surface is smooth, dry, and feels silky or finely pruinose. It typically ranges from 2-7 cm in diameter.

2. 2

   Gills

   Attachment to stem, color, and spacing.

   Adnate to strongly decurrent, closely spaced, narrow, and becoming somewhat forked near the stem. Color is white to creamy white, sometimes developing a pale tan or pinkish tint with age. There are numerous lamellulae (short gills).

3. 3

   Stem

   Length, shape, surface, and any ring.

   Cylindrical or tapering slightly downwards, often flexuous (wavy), solid or stuffed, becoming hollow with age. Color is whitish to concolorous with the cap, sometimes darkening slightly towards the base. The surface is smooth or finely pruinose, often with a subtle fibrous texture. It measures 2-6 cm in height and 0.3-0.8 cm in thickness. There is no ring (annulus).

4. 4

   Flesh

   Color, texture, and bruising reaction.

   Thin, white, and brittle, with no significant change in color when cut or bruised. It has a mild, mealy to slightly fungoid odor and taste (though tasting any wild mushroom is strongly discouraged due to toxicity).

5. 5

   Fruiting body

   Overall growth pattern.

   Small to medium-sized, white to pale reddish-brown, funnel-shaped or convex-depressed mushroom.

6. 6

   Habitat

   Where it grows and on what substrate.

   Typically found growing scattered or in troops, often forming fairy rings, in grassy areas, lawns, pastures, roadsides, parks, and occasionally in open woodland edges. It prefers calcareous soils but can be found in various soil types. It is thought to be saprobic, deriving nutrients from decaying organic matter in the soil.

Key Facts

Cap surfaces

Smooth, dry, silky or finely pruinose, sometimes faintly zonate.

Growth Form

Terrestrial, often forming fairy rings.

Spore Print

White.

Body color

White to cream, pale buff, or rufous (reddish-brown).

Odor

Faintly mealy or fungoid.

Flesh bruises

No significant bruising or color change.

Height

2-6 cm.

Cap Diameter

2-7 cm.

Fruit body characteristics

• Gill attachment: Adnate to strongly decurrent.
• Stem shape: Cylindrical, sometimes tapering slightly down, often flexuous.
• Stem surface: Smooth or finely pruinose.
• Ring: Absent.
• Stem cross-section: Solid, becoming hollow with age.

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