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The Miller (Clitopilus prunulus) is a mushroom with a distinctive flour-like odor and taste. It is generally considered edible and choice, but can be confused with poisonous look-alikes, especially when young.
How to Identify
- Cap
- The cap is initially convex, becoming flattened with age. It is typically white to pale grey or tan, with a dry, velvety surface. The cap margin is often inrolled when young.
- Gills
- The gills are decurrent, meaning they run down the stem. They are initially white, becoming pinkish as the spores mature.
- Stem
- The stem is short and stout, typically white to pale grey, and may be slightly hairy.
- Flesh
- The flesh is white and firm, with a flour-like odor and taste.
- Fruiting body
- The fruiting body is medium-sized, with a cap diameter typically ranging from 4 to 10 cm.
- Habitat
- Found in deciduous and coniferous woods, often near beech trees. Fruits from late summer to autumn.
Key Facts
- Cap surfaces: Dry, velvety
- Growth Form: Solitary or in small groups
- Spore Print: Pinkish
- Body color: White to pale grey or tan
- Odor: Distinct flour-like odor
- Flesh bruises: Does not typically bruise
- Height: 3-7 cm
- Cap Diameter: 4-10 cm
- Nutrient gathering: Saprophytic
Safe
SafeWhile Clitopilus prunulus is considered edible, it can be confused with poisonous Clitocybe species, particularly Clitocybe dealbata (Ivory Funnel), which contains muscarine and can cause severe poisoning. It is crucial to positively identify the mushroom based on multiple characteristics, including spore print and odor.
Quick Check
- Odor: Flour-like
- Fruiting: Late summer to autumn
- Substrate: Decaying leaf litter in woods
Where to Find
Woodland
The Miller is found in deciduous and coniferous woods, often near beech trees.
Season
It typically fruits from late summer to autumn.
Finding Tips
Spore Print and Odor
Look for mushrooms with a pinkish spore print and a strong flour-like odor.
Gill Attachment
Check for decurrent gills that run down the stem.
Similar Species
Clitocybe dealbata
mushroom
Also known as: Ivory Funnel
Clitopilus hobsonii
mushroom
Also known as: The False Miller
Scientific Classification
- Phylum
- Basidiomycota
- Class
- Agaricomycetes
- Order
- Agaricales
- Family
- Entolomataceae
- Genus
- Clitopilus
Storage Information
- Max Temperature: 5
- Freezing duration: 3 months
- Min Temperature: 2
- Refrigeration: 2-3 days
How to Clean
Brush off any dirt or debris. Wipe gently with a damp cloth if necessary. Avoid soaking in water.
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