Got a photo? Identify mushrooms instantly with the Mushby app
Open the appDescription
Cyclocybe aegerita, also known as the Poplar Mushroom, is an edible mushroom that grows on trees, especially poplars. It has a convex to flattened cap, white to cream gills, and a cylindrical stem. It is prized for its flavor and texture.
How to Identify
- Cap
- The cap is convex to flattened, 3-10 cm in diameter, and has a smooth, dry surface. The color ranges from light tan to brown, often paler at the margin.
- Gills
- The gills are white to cream, closely spaced, and adnate to slightly decurrent.
- Stem
- The stem is cylindrical, 3-8 cm long, and 1-2 cm thick. It is white to cream and has a smooth surface. A ring may be present, but it is often fragile and disappears with age.
- Flesh
- White, firm, and does not change color when cut.
- Fruiting body
- Grows in clusters on wood.
- Habitat
- Grows on dead or dying hardwood trees, especially poplar, willow, and elm.
Key Facts
- Cap surfaces: Smooth, dry
- Growth Form: Clustered
- Spore Print: Brown
- Body color: White to cream
- Odor: Pleasant, mushroomy
- Flesh bruises: No bruising
- Height: 3-8 cm
- Cap Diameter: 3-10 cm
- Nutrient gathering: Saprophytic
Safe
SafeCyclocybe aegerita is generally considered safe to eat, but as with all wild mushrooms, proper identification is crucial to avoid consuming toxic look-alikes. Some individuals may experience gastrointestinal upset, so it is recommended to consume in moderation, especially when trying it for the first time.
Quick Check
- Odor: Pleasant, mushroomy
- Fruiting: Late spring to early autumn
- Substrate: Hardwood trees, especially poplar
Where to Find
Woodlands
Grows on dead or dying hardwood trees, especially poplar, willow, and elm.
Worldwide
Found in Europe, North America, and Asia.
Finding Tips
Check Tree Trunks
Look for clusters of mushrooms on the sides of trees or on fallen logs.
Seasonal Timing
Best found during the warmer months, from late spring to early autumn.
Similar Species
Armillaria spp.
mushroom
Also known as: Honey Fungus
Scientific Classification
- Phylum
- Basidiomycota
- Class
- Agaricomycetes
- Order
- Agaricales
- Family
- Strophariaceae
- Genus
- Cyclocybe
Storage Information
- Max Temperature: 2
- Freezing duration: 3 months
- Min Temperature: -18
- Refrigeration: 3-5 days
How to Clean
Wipe the cap clean with a damp cloth. Trim the base of the stem to remove any dirt or debris. Avoid soaking in water to maintain texture and flavor.
Explore Cyclocybe aegerita
Identify mushrooms anywhere
Free on iOS, Android, and Web. Photo identification, full database, and your personal collection.