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Mycena is a large genus of small saprotrophic mushrooms that are rarely more than 3 cm in diameter. They are characterized by a conical cap, a thin fragile stem, and a generally pale color. Many species have a translucent-striate cap, revealing the outline of the gills from the surface.
How to Identify
- Cap
- Conical to bell-shaped, typically less than 3 cm in diameter. Colors range from white to gray, brown, or pink. The surface can be smooth or slightly wrinkled.
- Gills
- Adnate to decurrent, often widely spaced. The color is usually pale, matching the cap.
- Stem
- Thin, fragile, and often translucent. The surface can be smooth or hairy. Colors vary but are usually pale.
- Flesh
- Thin and fragile.
- Fruiting body
- Small and delicate, often with a translucent or striate cap.
- Habitat
- Found on decaying wood, leaf litter, or moss in forests and woodlands.
Key Facts
- Cap surfaces: Smooth or slightly wrinkled.
- Growth Form: Saprotrophic.
- Spore Print: White.
- Body color: White, gray, brown, or pink.
- Odor: Variable.
- Flesh bruises: Does not typically bruise.
- Height: 1-5 cm.
- Cap Diameter: 0.5-3 cm.
- Nutrient gathering: Saprotrophic.
Safe
SafeMost Mycena species are not considered toxic, but they are also not typically consumed due to their small size and insubstantial flesh. Some species may contain minor toxins, but the effects are minimal.
Quick Check
- Odor: Variable, often indistinct or slightly fungal.
- Fruiting: Solitary or in small groups.
- Substrate: Decaying wood or leaf litter.
Where to Find
Forests
Common in deciduous and coniferous forests.
Woodlands
Found in wooded areas with decaying organic matter.
Finding Tips
Look for Decaying Wood
Search for Mycena on fallen logs, branches, and leaf litter.
Check Moist Areas
Mycena prefers moist environments, so look in damp areas of the forest.
Similar Species
Hemimycena
Fungi
Also known as: dune bonnet
Scientific Classification
- Phylum
- Basidiomycota
- Class
- Agaricomycetes
- Order
- Agaricales
- Family
- Mycenaceae
- Genus
- Mycena
Storage Information
- Max Temperature: N/A
- Freezing duration: N/A
- Min Temperature: N/A
- Refrigeration: N/A
How to Clean
Not typically consumed, so cleaning is not applicable.
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