How to identify Elegant Bird's Nest

To correctly identify Elegant Bird's Nest (Cyathus olla), 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.

   Cup-shaped, 5-15 mm wide, opening at the top.

2. 2

   Gills

   Attachment to stem, color, and spacing.

   Absent

3. 3

   Stem

   Length, shape, surface, and any ring.

   Absent

4. 4

   Flesh

   Color, texture, and bruising reaction.

   Thin and inconspicuous.

5. 5

   Fruiting body

   Overall growth pattern.

   Small, bird's nest-like structure with peridioles inside.

6. 6

   Habitat

   Where it grows and on what substrate.

   Decaying wood, plant debris, dung.

Key Facts

Cap surfaces

Smooth exterior, inner surface contains peridioles.

Growth Form

Gregarious (growing in groups)

Spore Print

White

Body color

Brown to grayish-brown exterior, whitish to yellowish peridioles.

Odor

Not distinctive

Flesh bruises

Not applicable

Height

Up to 1 cm

Cap Diameter

5-15 mm

Fruit body characteristics

• Gill attachment: Absent (not applicable)
• Stem shape: Absent (stemless)
• Stem surface: Absent (stemless)
• Ring: Absent
• Stem cross-section: Absent (stemless)

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