How to identify Elegant Bird's Nest

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

   N/A (no cap)

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.

   Insignificant due to small size.

5. 5

   Fruiting body

   Overall growth pattern.

   Cup-shaped with egg-like peridioles inside.

6. 6

   Habitat

   Where it grows and on what substrate.

   Decaying wood, plant debris, or dung.

Key Facts

Cap surfaces

Smooth

Growth Form

Gregarious (growing in groups)

Spore Print

White

Body color

White to yellowish-brown

Odor

Not distinctive

Flesh bruises

Not applicable

Height

Up to 1 cm

Cap Diameter

2-8 mm

Fruit body characteristics

• Gill attachment: N/A (no gills)
• Stem shape: N/A
• Stem surface: N/A
• Ring: Absent
• Stem cross-section: Absent (no stem)

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