How to identify Fairy Parachute

To correctly identify Fairy Parachute (Marasmiellus candidipes), 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 0.5-2 cm in diameter, convex to plano-convex, often with a central depression or umbilicus. It is typically white to off-white, sometimes translucent, and can become slightly yellowish with age. The surface is smooth, often striate or grooved when moist, and can be somewhat hygrophanous, appearing more opaque when dry.

2. 2

   Gills

   Attachment to stem, color, and spacing.

   The gills are adnate to subdecurrent, widely spaced, and relatively broad. They are white to cream-colored, sometimes with a slightly yellowish tint, and often have a somewhat waxy appearance.

3. 3

   Stem

   Length, shape, surface, and any ring.

   The stem is 1-4 cm long and 0.5-2 mm thick, very slender, tough, and cartilaginous. It is typically white to translucent white, sometimes with a slightly darker base where it attaches to the substrate. The surface is smooth and often appears somewhat shiny. It is centrally attached to the cap.

4. 4

   Flesh

   Color, texture, and bruising reaction.

   The flesh is very thin, white, and fragile.

5. 5

   Fruiting body

   Overall growth pattern.

   The fruiting body is small and delicate, typically appearing as a tiny umbrella-shaped mushroom.

6. 6

   Habitat

   Where it grows and on what substrate.

   Saprobic, growing on decaying wood, bark, twigs, and other woody debris, often in moist, shaded areas of forests. It can be found on both hardwoods and conifers.

Key Facts

Cap surfaces

Smooth, often striate or grooved when moist, sometimes translucent.

Growth Form

Solitary to gregarious.

Spore Print

White.

Body color

White to off-white, sometimes yellowish with age.

Odor

Indistinct or mild.

Flesh bruises

Does not bruise.

Height

1-4 cm

Cap Diameter

0.5-2 cm

Fruit body characteristics

• Gill attachment: Adnate to subdecurrent.
• Stem shape: Cylindrical, slender.
• Stem surface: Smooth, often shiny.
• Ring: Absent.
• Stem cross-section: Solid.

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