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The Rosy Agaric (Hygrophorus erubescens) is a mycorrhizal fungus that forms symbiotic relationships with trees, particularly conifers. It is characterized by its pinkish to reddish cap and is found in coniferous forests. While not considered highly toxic, it can cause gastrointestinal upset in some individuals.
How to Identify
- Cap
- The cap is convex to flattened, with a pinkish to reddish color. It can be slightly sticky when moist.
- Gills
- The gills are adnate to decurrent, white to pinkish, and widely spaced.
- Stem
- The stem is cylindrical, white to pinkish, and smooth to slightly fibrillose.
- Flesh
- The flesh is white to pinkish, and does not change color when cut.
- Fruiting body
- Medium-sized mushroom with a pinkish to reddish cap and a smooth stem.
- Habitat
- Coniferous forests, especially under pine and fir trees.
Key Facts
- Cap surfaces: Smooth, slightly sticky when moist
- Growth Form: Solitary to scattered
- Spore Print: White
- Body color: Pinkish to reddish
- Odor: Mild, not distinctive
- Flesh bruises: No color change
- Height: 5-12 cm
- Cap Diameter: 5-15 cm
- Nutrient gathering: Mycorrhizal
Safe
Mild ToxicityWhile not considered highly toxic, Hygrophorus erubescens can cause gastrointestinal upset in some individuals. It is important to cook thoroughly before consumption.
Quick Check
- Odor: Mild
- Fruiting: Late summer to autumn
- Substrate: Coniferous forest floor
Where to Find
Habitat
Coniferous forests, especially under pine and fir trees.
Season
Late summer to autumn.
Finding Tips
Visual Identification
Look for mushrooms with pinkish to reddish caps in coniferous forests.
Tree Association
Check under pine and fir trees, as this mushroom forms mycorrhizal relationships with these trees.
Similar Species
Clitocybe nuda
mushroom
Also known as: Wood Blewit
Scientific Classification
- Phylum
- Basidiomycota
- Class
- Agaricomycetes
- Order
- Agaricales
- Family
- Hygrophoraceae
- Genus
- Hygrophorus
Storage Information
- Max Temperature: N/A
- Freezing duration: N/A
- Min Temperature: 2°C
- Refrigeration: 2-3 days
How to Clean
Gently brush off any dirt or debris from the cap and stem. Avoid washing unless necessary, and if washing, do so quickly and pat dry.
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