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The Aborted Entoloma is a fascinating mushroom known for its unique 'aborted' or deformed fruit bodies. These mushrooms can be found in both normal and aborted forms, often near each other. The aborted forms are typically irregular, whitish masses, while the normal forms have a more typical mushroom shape.
How to Identify
- Cap
- Normal forms have a convex to flattened cap, often with an umbo. Color ranges from whitish to grayish-brown. Aborted forms are irregular, whitish masses.
- Gills
- Adnate to decurrent, closely spaced, and whitish to pinkish in color.
- Stem
- Cylindrical, smooth to fibrous, and whitish in color.
- Flesh
- White and firm in both normal and aborted forms.
- Fruiting body
- The mushroom has two forms: a normal mushroom shape and an aborted, irregular mass.
- Habitat
- Deciduous woods, often near maple and oak trees.
Key Facts
- Cap surfaces: Smooth to slightly sticky
- Growth Form: Solitary to scattered
- Spore Print: Pink
- Body color: Whitish to grayish-brown
- Odor: Mild, sometimes slightly farinaceous
- Flesh bruises: No significant bruising
- Height: 3-12 cm
- Cap Diameter: 2-10 cm
- Nutrient gathering: Mycorrhizal
Safe
SafeWhile generally considered edible when cooked, some individuals may experience gastrointestinal upset. It is essential to cook thoroughly.
Quick Check
- Odor: Mild
- Fruiting: Late summer to fall
- Substrate: Decaying wood or leaf litter
Where to Find
North America
Deciduous woods, particularly near maple and oak trees.
Temperate regions
Prefers areas with leaf litter and well-drained soil.
Finding Tips
Observe Both Forms
Look for both normal and aborted forms of the mushroom in the same area.
Check Host Trees
Check under maple and oak trees in late summer and fall.
Similar Species
Armillaria mellea (when in aborted form)
mushroom
Also known as: Shrimp of the Woods
Scientific Classification
- Phylum
- Basidiomycota
- Class
- Agaricomycetes
- Order
- Agaricales
- Family
- Entolomataceae
- Genus
- Entoloma
Storage Information
- Max Temperature: N/A
- Freezing duration: 3 months
- Min Temperature: 35°F
- Refrigeration: 3-5 days
How to Clean
Gently brush off any dirt or debris. Avoid washing unless necessary, and if washing, do so quickly and pat dry.
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