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Cystoderma amianthinum, commonly known as the saffron parasol or earthy powdercap, is a fungus species often found in coniferous forests. It is characterized by its small size, granular cap surface, and a ring zone on the stem. While not considered highly toxic, it's generally not recommended for consumption due to its small size and potential for confusion with other, more toxic species.
How to Identify
- Cap
- The cap is typically 1-5 cm in diameter, convex to flattened, and has a granular to powdery surface. The color ranges from yellowish-brown to saffron.
- Gills
- The gills are adnate to slightly decurrent, crowded, and whitish to pale yellow.
- Stem
- The stem is slender, 2-6 cm long, and has a granular surface below a ring zone. The color is similar to the cap or slightly paler.
- Flesh
- Thin and whitish to pale yellow.
- Fruiting body
- Small to medium-sized mushroom with a granular cap surface.
- Habitat
- Found in coniferous forests, often in mossy areas or near decaying wood.
Key Facts
- Cap surfaces: Granular to powdery
- Growth Form: Pileate
- Spore Print: White to cream
- Body color: Yellowish-brown to saffron
- Odor: Mild, earthy
- Flesh bruises: Does not typically bruise
- Height: 2-6 cm
- Cap Diameter: 1-5 cm
- Nutrient gathering: Saprophytic
Safe
SafeGenerally considered non-toxic, but not recommended for consumption due to small size and potential for misidentification.
Quick Check
- Odor: Mild, earthy
- Fruiting: Solitary or in small groups
- Substrate: Soil, moss, or decaying wood in coniferous forests
Where to Find
North America
Common in coniferous forests across North America.
Europe
Found in similar habitats in Europe.
Finding Tips
Look in Mossy Areas
Search for these mushrooms in mossy areas within coniferous forests.
Check Near Decaying Wood
They often grow near decaying wood or leaf litter.
Similar Species
False Parasol
Mushroom
Also known as: Chlorophyllum molybdites
Scientific Classification
- Phylum
- Basidiomycota
- Class
- Agaricomycetes
- Order
- Agaricales
- Family
- Cystodermataceae
- Genus
- Cystoderma
Storage Information
- Max Temperature: N/A
- Freezing duration: N/A
- Min Temperature: Refrigerate at 2-4°C
- Refrigeration: 1-2 days (not recommended)
How to Clean
Not typically cleaned due to small size and limited culinary use.
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