How to identify Pinkgill

To correctly identify Pinkgill (Entoloma), 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.

   The cap is typically convex to flattened, often with a central bump (umbo). The color varies from white to shades of brown, gray, or pink. The surface can be dry and smooth or slightly fibrillose.

2. 2

   Gills

   Attachment to stem, color, and spacing.

   The gills are pink at maturity, closely spaced, and adnate to decurrent. They may bruise slightly when damaged.

3. 3

   Stem

   Length, shape, surface, and any ring.

   The stem is cylindrical, smooth to fibrillose, and white to pale pink. It lacks a ring or volva.

4. 4

   Flesh

   Color, texture, and bruising reaction.

   The flesh is generally thin and white, sometimes bruising slightly when cut.

5. 5

   Fruiting body

   Overall growth pattern.

   The fruiting body is typically small to medium-sized, with a cap diameter ranging from 2 to 10 cm and a stem height of 3 to 8 cm.

6. 6

   Habitat

   Where it grows and on what substrate.

   Found in grasslands, woodlands, and disturbed areas, often growing on soil or decaying wood.

Key Facts

Cap surfaces

Dry, smooth to fibrillose

Growth Form

Solitary to gregarious

Spore Print

Pink

Body color

White to pinkish

Odor

Variable, often mild or fungal

Flesh bruises

Slightly

Height

3-8 cm

Cap Diameter

2-10 cm

Fruit body characteristics

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

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