How to identify Scaly Wood Mushroom

To correctly identify Scaly Wood Mushroom (Hebeloma crustuliniforme), 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 3-8 cm in diameter, convex to flattened, and often has a slightly umbonate (raised) center. The color ranges from pale ochre to tan, and it is often sticky or slimy when moist. The margin may have veil fragments when young.

2. 2

   Gills

   Attachment to stem, color, and spacing.

   The gills are adnate (attached to the stem) and crowded. They are initially pale, but become clay-brown as the spores mature. The gills may exude droplets of liquid in moist conditions.

3. 3

   Stem

   Length, shape, surface, and any ring.

   The stem is 4-8 cm long and 0.5-1.5 cm thick, cylindrical, and often has a slightly bulbous base. It is whitish to pale ochre and may have a faint ring zone near the top. The stem surface is often finely hairy or scaly.

4. 4

   Flesh

   Color, texture, and bruising reaction.

   The flesh is whitish to pale ochre and has a radish-like odor and taste.

5. 5

   Fruiting body

   Overall growth pattern.

   The fruiting body of Hebeloma crustuliniforme is a typical mushroom shape with a cap and stem.

6. 6

   Habitat

   Where it grows and on what substrate.

   Hebeloma crustuliniforme is commonly found in wooded areas, especially under deciduous trees like oak and birch. It fruits from summer to autumn.

Key Facts

Cap surfaces

Sticky or slimy when moist

Growth Form

Solitary or in small groups

Spore Print

Clay-brown

Body color

Pale ochre to tan

Odor

Radish-like

Flesh bruises

No significant bruising

Height

4-8 cm

Cap Diameter

3-8 cm

Fruit body characteristics

• Gill attachment: Adnate
• Stem shape: Cylindrical, slightly bulbous base
• Stem surface: Finely hairy or scaly
• Ring: Faint ring zone may be present
• Stem cross-section: Solid

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