How to identify Brown Bonnet

To correctly identify Brown Bonnet (Mycena metata), 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 1-3 cm in diameter, initially conical or bell-shaped, expanding to convex or broadly conical, often with a small central umbo. The margin is striate, especially when moist, and can be slightly wavy. The color varies from reddish-brown, pinkish-brown, or grayish-brown to pale buff, often fading with age or drying. It is hygrophanous, meaning its color changes depending on moisture content. The surface is smooth and somewhat translucent-striate when wet.

2. 2

   Gills

   Attachment to stem, color, and spacing.

   The gills are adnate to adnexed, sometimes with a decurrent tooth, and are moderately crowded. They are initially whitish or pale gray, often developing a distinct pinkish tint with maturity due to the spores. There are numerous lamellulae (short gills).

3. 3

   Stem

   Length, shape, surface, and any ring.

   The stem is 3-8 cm long and 1-3 mm thick, slender, cylindrical, and often slightly tapering upwards. It is hollow, fragile, and smooth. The color is typically whitish to pale brownish, often darker towards the base, and can be pruinose (finely powdered) at the apex. The base is often covered with fine, whitish hairs (mycelium).

4. 4

   Flesh

   Color, texture, and bruising reaction.

   The flesh is very thin, fragile, and whitish to pale brownish. It has a mild, sometimes slightly radish-like or indistinct odor and taste.

5. 5

   Fruiting body

   Overall growth pattern.

   The fruiting body is typically small and slender, characteristic of the genus Mycena.

6. 6

   Habitat

   Where it grows and on what substrate.

   Saprobic, growing gregariously or scattered on decaying wood debris (often buried), leaf litter, mossy ground, or conifer needles in coniferous, mixed, and occasionally deciduous forests.

Key Facts

Cap surfaces

Smooth, translucent-striate when moist.

Growth Form

Gregarious or scattered.

Spore Print

White to pale pinkish.

Body color

Cap reddish-brown to pinkish-brown or grayish-brown; stem whitish to pale brownish.

Odor

Mild, sometimes slightly radish-like.

Flesh bruises

Does not bruise significantly.

Height

3-8 cm

Cap Diameter

1-3 cm

Fruit body characteristics

• Gill attachment: Adnate to adnexed, sometimes with a decurrent tooth.
• Stem shape: Cylindrical, often slightly tapering upwards.
• Stem surface: Smooth, sometimes pruinose at apex, base often hairy.
• Ring: Absent
• Stem cross-section: Hollow

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