How to identify Common Fiberhead

To correctly identify Common Fiberhead (Inocybe geophylla), 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.

   Conical to convex, becoming flattened with age; color varies from whitish to yellowish-brown; surface is radially fibrillose.

2. 2

   Gills

   Attachment to stem, color, and spacing.

   Crowded, adnate to adnexed, pale clay color becoming brownish with age.

3. 3

   Stem

   Length, shape, surface, and any ring.

   Cylindrical, slender, whitish to pale brown, smooth to slightly fibrillose.

4. 4

   Flesh

   Color, texture, and bruising reaction.

   Whitish to pale brown.

5. 5

   Fruiting body

   Overall growth pattern.

   Small to medium-sized mushroom.

6. 6

   Habitat

   Where it grows and on what substrate.

   Woodland, grassland, and disturbed soil.

Key Facts

Cap surfaces

Radially fibrillose

Growth Form

Solitary to scattered

Spore Print

Brown

Body color

Whitish to yellowish-brown

Odor

Earthy or spermatic

Flesh bruises

No significant bruising

Height

3-7 cm

Cap Diameter

1-4 cm

Fruit body characteristics

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

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