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Gymnopilus sapineus, commonly known as the scaly rustgill, is a widely distributed mushroom which grows on dead wood. It has a rusty orange spore print and a bitter taste.
How to Identify
- Cap
- The cap is convex to flattened, typically 2 to 7 cm in diameter. The cap surface is dry and scaly, with a rusty orange to brownish-orange color.
- Gills
- The gills are adnate to decurrent, close, and rusty orange.
- Stem
- The stem is 3 to 8 cm long and 0.5 to 1 cm thick, equal to slightly enlarged at the base. The stem surface is dry and scaly, with a rusty orange to brownish-orange color. A partial veil may be present in young specimens, leaving a fragile ring on the upper stem.
- Flesh
- The flesh is yellowish to orange-brown.
- Fruiting body
- The fruiting body of Gymnopilus sapineus is a mushroom with a convex to flattened cap, typically 2 to 7 cm in diameter. The cap surface is dry and scaly, with a rusty orange to brownish-orange color.
- Habitat
- Gymnopilus sapineus grows on dead wood, particularly coniferous wood. It is widely distributed in North America and Europe.
Key Facts
- Cap surfaces: Dry, scaly
- Growth Form: Clustered
- Spore Print: Rusty orange
- Body color: Rusty orange to brownish-orange
- Odor: Faint, radish-like
- Flesh bruises: No bruising
- Height: 3-8 cm
- Cap Diameter: 2-7 cm
- Nutrient gathering: Saprophytic
Safe
SafeGymnopilus sapineus is not known to be poisonous, but it has a bitter taste that makes it unpalatable.
Quick Check
- Odor: Faint, sometimes described as radish-like
- Fruiting: Grows in clusters on dead wood
- Substrate: Decaying coniferous wood
Where to Find
North America
Widely distributed, growing on dead coniferous wood.
Europe
Common on dead wood, especially coniferous.
Finding Tips
Look for dead wood
Gymnopilus sapineus grows on decaying wood, so search for fallen logs and branches.
Check coniferous forests
This mushroom is often found in coniferous forests, where it grows on dead pine, spruce, and fir.
Similar Species
Gymnopilus junonius
Mushroom
Also known as: Laughing Gym
Scientific Classification
- Phylum
- Basidiomycota
- Class
- Agaricomycetes
- Order
- Agaricales
- Family
- Hymenogastraceae
- Genus
- Gymnopilus
Storage Information
- Max Temperature: 10
- Freezing duration: 3 months
- Min Temperature: 2
- Refrigeration: 1 week
How to Clean
Gently brush off any dirt or debris from the cap and stem. Avoid washing unless necessary, as mushrooms can absorb water and become soggy.
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