How to identify Winter Mushroom

To correctly identify Winter Mushroom (Flammulina velutipes), 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 of the wild winter mushroom is typically 2-8 cm in diameter, convex to flattened, and has a sticky surface when moist. Cultivated forms have smaller caps.

2. 2

   Gills

   Attachment to stem, color, and spacing.

   The gills are white to yellowish, closely spaced, and adnate to slightly decurrent.

3. 3

   Stem

   Length, shape, surface, and any ring.

   The stem is velvety, dark brown to black near the base, and lighter towards the top. Cultivated forms have longer, thinner, and white stems.

4. 4

   Flesh

   Color, texture, and bruising reaction.

   The flesh is thin and white to yellowish.

5. 5

   Fruiting body

   Overall growth pattern.

   The fruiting body of Flammulina velutipes varies depending on whether it is wild or cultivated. Wild specimens typically have a dark orange to brown cap, while cultivated ones have a pale white cap and a longer, thinner stem.

6. 6

   Habitat

   Where it grows and on what substrate.

   Flammulina velutipes grows on decaying wood, especially on elm, ash, and willow trees. It can be found in clusters during the late fall and winter months.

Key Facts

Cap surfaces

Sticky when moist

Growth Form

Clustered

Spore Print

White

Body color

Orange-brown (wild), White (cultivated)

Odor

Mild

Flesh bruises

Does not bruise

Height

2-10 cm

Cap Diameter

2-8 cm

Fruit body characteristics

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

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