Got a photo? Identify mushrooms instantly with the Mushby app
Open the appDescription
Mycena vitilis, commonly known as the Winter Bonnet or Tough Shank Mycena, is a small, delicate saprobic mushroom belonging to the family Mycenaceae. It is characterized by its slender, tough stem and bell-shaped to conical cap, often appearing in late autumn and winter. This species plays an important ecological role as a decomposer of woody debris.
How to Identify
- Cap
- The cap is 0.5-2.5 cm in diameter, initially conical or bell-shaped, expanding to convex or broadly conical with a central umbo. The margin is often striate, especially when moist, and can become wavy or lobed with age. The color ranges from pale grayish-brown to yellowish-brown, often darker at the center, fading to whitish or pale buff towards the margin. It is hygrophanous, meaning its color changes with moisture content.
- Gills
- The gills are adnate to adnexed, sometimes with a decurrent tooth, and are moderately spaced. They are whitish to pale grayish, often becoming slightly pinkish or yellowish with age. There are typically 20-30 full-length gills, with numerous lamellulae (short gills).
- Stem
- The stem is 3-10 cm long and 1-3 mm thick, exceptionally slender and tough (hence 'Tough Shank Mycena'). It is cylindrical, often slightly enlarged at the base, and can be straight or somewhat flexuous. The color is similar to the cap, pale grayish-brown to whitish, often darker towards the base. It is typically smooth, sometimes finely pruinose (powdery) near the apex, and hollow. The base is often covered with fine, whitish hairs (mycelium).
- Flesh
- The flesh is very thin, fragile, and whitish to pale grayish. It has no distinctive odor or taste, though some describe a faint radish-like smell.
- Fruiting body
- The fruiting body is typically small and slender, characteristic of the genus Mycena.
- Habitat
- Saprobic, growing on decaying wood, particularly fallen branches and logs of deciduous trees, but occasionally on conifers. It can be found singly or in small scattered groups.
Key Facts
- Cap surfaces: Smooth, hygrophanous, striate margin when moist
- Growth Form: Scattered to gregarious
- Spore Print: White
- Body color: Pale grayish-brown to yellowish-brown, fading to whitish
- Odor: Indistinct or faintly radish-like
- Flesh bruises: Does not bruise
- Height: 3-10 cm
- Cap Diameter: 0.5-2.5 cm
- Nutrient gathering: Saprobic
Safe
SafeMycena vitilis is considered inedible due to its small size, thin flesh, and lack of culinary value. It is not known to be toxic, but consumption is not recommended.
Quick Check
- Odor: Indistinct or faintly radish-like
- Fruiting: Late autumn to early spring
- Substrate: Decaying hardwood (less commonly conifer) logs and branches
Where to Find
Europe
Widespread across temperate regions of Europe, particularly in woodlands and forests.
North America
Common in eastern and western North America, found in similar woodland habitats.
Asia
Reported in parts of Asia, though less extensively documented than in Europe and North America.
Finding Tips
Seasonality
Look for Mycena vitilis from late autumn through winter and into early spring, especially during mild periods when other fungi are scarce. It is quite tolerant of cold temperatures.
Substrate Preference
Focus your search on decaying hardwood logs and branches, particularly those that are well-rotted and moist. It can also be found on conifer wood, but less frequently.
Moisture Conditions
This species thrives in damp conditions. Check after periods of rain or in areas with consistently high humidity.
Size and Delicacy
Due to its small size and delicate nature, it can be easily overlooked. A careful inspection of the substrate is necessary.
Similar Species
Common Bonnet
Mycena
Also known as: Mycena galericulata
Ivory Bonnet
Mycena
Also known as: Mycena flavoalba
Snowy Bonnet
Mycena
Also known as: Mycena nivalis
Scientific Classification
- Phylum
- Basidiomycota
- Class
- Agaricomycetes
- Order
- Agaricales
- Family
- Mycenaceae
- Genus
- Mycena
Storage Information
- Max Temperature: Not applicable
- Freezing duration: Not applicable
- Min Temperature: Not applicable
- Refrigeration: Not applicable
How to Clean
Not applicable due to its inedibility and small size. If collected for study, gently brush off any debris with a soft brush.
Explore Winter Bonnet
Identify mushrooms anywhere
Free on iOS, Android, and Web. Photo identification, full database, and your personal collection.