How to identify Aborted Entoloma

To correctly identify Aborted Entoloma (Entoloma abortivum), 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.

   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.

2. 2

   Gills

   Attachment to stem, color, and spacing.

   Adnate to decurrent, closely spaced, and whitish to pinkish in color.

3. 3

   Stem

   Length, shape, surface, and any ring.

   Cylindrical, smooth to fibrous, and whitish in color.

4. 4

   Flesh

   Color, texture, and bruising reaction.

   White and firm in both normal and aborted forms.

5. 5

   Fruiting body

   Overall growth pattern.

   The mushroom has two forms: a normal mushroom shape and an aborted, irregular mass.

6. 6

   Habitat

   Where it grows and on what substrate.

   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

Fruit body characteristics

• Gill attachment: Adnate to decurrent
• Stem shape: Cylindrical
• Stem surface: Smooth to fibrous
• Ring: Absent
• Stem cross-section: Solid

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