How to identify Naked Brim Cup

To correctly identify Naked Brim Cup (Gymnopus dryophilus), 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.

   2–7 cm in diameter, convex, flattening with age, smooth, dry, tan to rusty brown, often fading to buff when dry.

2. 2

   Gills

   Attachment to stem, color, and spacing.

   Adnate to adnexed, closely spaced, whitish to yellowish.

3. 3

   Stem

   Length, shape, surface, and any ring.

   3–8 cm long, 0.2–0.5 cm thick, slender, cartilaginous, color similar to cap or darker.

4. 4

   Flesh

   Color, texture, and bruising reaction.

   Thin, pliant, and pale buff.

5. 5

   Fruiting body

   Overall growth pattern.

   The fruit body of Gymnopus dryophilus has a convex cap that flattens out with age, reaching diameters of 2–7 cm (0.8–2.8 in). The cap surface is smooth, dry, and has a color ranging from tan to rusty brown, often fading to buff when dry. The gills are adnate to adnexed, closely spaced, and whitish to yellowish. The stem is slender, cartilaginous, and has a color similar to the cap or darker. It measures 3–8 cm (1.2–3.1 in) long and 0.2–0.5 cm (0.08–0.2 in) thick.

6. 6

   Habitat

   Where it grows and on what substrate.

   Found in temperate woodlands, often on decaying leaf litter or wood.

Key Facts

Cap surfaces

Smooth, dry

Growth Form

Solitary to scattered

Spore Print

White to pale yellowish

Body color

Tan to rusty brown

Odor

Mild, fungal

Flesh bruises

Does not typically bruise

Height

3-8 cm

Cap Diameter

2-7 cm

Fruit body characteristics

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

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