Got a photo? Identify mushrooms instantly with the Mushby app
Open the appDescription
Hymenopellis radicata, commonly known as the Rooting Shank, is a distinctive mushroom characterized by its long, tapering 'root' that extends into the soil. It is often found in wooded areas, particularly near decaying wood. The cap is typically smooth and may be various shades of brown, while the stem is often lighter in color and has a rooting base. This mushroom is not known to be poisonous, but its edibility is not highly regarded due to its tough texture.
How to Identify
- Cap
- The cap is typically smooth, convex to flattened, and ranges in color from pale tan to dark brown. The surface can be slightly sticky when moist.
- Gills
- The gills are adnate to decurrent, widely spaced, and white to cream-colored.
- Stem
- The stem is typically long and slender, often tapering towards the base. It is lighter in color than the cap and has a distinctive rooting extension that penetrates the soil.
- Flesh
- The flesh is white and does not change color when bruised.
- Fruiting body
- The fruiting body of Hymenopellis radicata consists of a cap and a stem, with a distinctive rooting base.
- Habitat
- Hymenopellis radicata is commonly found in wooded areas, particularly near decaying wood or buried roots. It often grows singly or in small clusters.
Key Facts
- Cap surfaces: Smooth, slightly sticky when moist
- Growth Form: Pileate (cap and stem)
- Spore Print: White
- Body color: Brown cap, lighter stem
- Odor: Mild
- Flesh bruises: Does not change color
- Height: 5-15 cm
- Cap Diameter: 3-10 cm
- Nutrient gathering: Saprophytic
Safe
SafeHymenopellis radicata is not known to be poisonous, but its edibility is not highly regarded due to its tough texture.
Quick Check
- Odor: Mild, not distinctive
- Fruiting: Solitary or in small clusters
- Substrate: Decaying wood or buried roots
Where to Find
North America
Found in eastern North America, particularly in deciduous forests.
Europe
Widespread throughout Europe, often found in similar habitats to North America.
Finding Tips
Look for Decaying Wood
Search around decaying logs, stumps, and buried roots in wooded areas.
Check After Rain
Mushrooms are more likely to fruit after periods of rain.
Similar Species
Gymnopilus luteus
Mushroom
Also known as: None
Scientific Classification
- Phylum
- Basidiomycota
- Class
- Agaricomycetes
- Order
- Agaricales
- Family
- Physalacriaceae
- Genus
- Hymenopellis
Storage Information
- Max Temperature: 20
- Freezing duration: N/A
- Min Temperature: 2
- Refrigeration: 3-5 days
How to Clean
To clean Hymenopellis radicata, gently brush off any dirt or debris from the cap and stem. The rooting base may need extra attention to remove soil. Avoid soaking the mushroom in water, as it can become waterlogged.
Explore Rooting Shank
Identify mushrooms anywhere
Free on iOS, Android, and Web. Photo identification, full database, and your personal collection.