How to identify Sheathed Woodtuft

To correctly identify Sheathed Woodtuft (Kuehneromyces mutabilis), 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 2-6 cm in diameter, initially convex, then flattening with age. It is hygrophanous, meaning it changes color depending on its moisture content. When wet, it is typically reddish-brown to ochre, and when dry, it becomes paler, often yellowish-brown. The surface is smooth and slightly sticky when moist.

2. 2

   Gills

   Attachment to stem, color, and spacing.

   The gills are adnate to slightly decurrent, crowded, and initially pale yellowish, becoming rusty brown as the spores mature.

3. 3

   Stem

   Length, shape, surface, and any ring.

   The stem is 4-8 cm long and 0.5-1 cm thick, cylindrical, and often curved. It is smooth above the ring and scaly below. The color is typically brownish, darker below the ring.

4. 4

   Flesh

   Color, texture, and bruising reaction.

   The flesh is thin and brownish in color.

5. 5

   Fruiting body

   Overall growth pattern.

   The fruiting body of Kuehneromyces mutabilis typically grows in dense clusters on decaying wood.

6. 6

   Habitat

   Where it grows and on what substrate.

   It grows on decaying wood, especially on stumps and fallen logs of deciduous trees.

Key Facts

Cap surfaces

Smooth, slightly sticky when moist

Growth Form

Caespitose (growing in clusters)

Spore Print

Rusty brown

Body color

Brownish to ochre

Odor

Mild, mushroomy

Flesh bruises

No bruising reaction

Height

4-8 cm

Cap Diameter

2-6 cm

Fruit body characteristics

• Gill attachment: Adnate to slightly decurrent
• Stem shape: Cylindrical
• Stem surface: Smooth above the ring, scaly below
• Ring: Present, membranous and superior
• Stem cross-section: Solid

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