How to identify Rooting Shank

To correctly identify Rooting Shank (Oudemansiella radicata), 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 convex, becoming flattened with age, and has a slimy surface. The color ranges from yellowish-brown to tan, often darker in the center.

2. 2

   Gills

   Attachment to stem, color, and spacing.

   The gills are white, widely spaced, and adnate to decurrent.

3. 3

   Stem

   Length, shape, surface, and any ring.

   The stem is long, tapering downwards, and has a rooting base that extends into the substrate. It is slimy below the ring zone and dry above.

4. 4

   Flesh

   Color, texture, and bruising reaction.

   The flesh is white and thin.

5. 5

   Fruiting body

   Overall growth pattern.

   Medium to large in size, with a distinctive rooting stem.

6. 6

   Habitat

   Where it grows and on what substrate.

   Found on decaying hardwood, especially logs and stumps.

Key Facts

Cap surfaces

Slimy

Growth Form

Solitary or in small groups

Spore Print

White

Body color

White gills, yellowish-brown to tan cap

Odor

Mild, not distinctive

Flesh bruises

Does not typically bruise

Height

Up to 20 cm

Cap Diameter

5-15 cm

Fruit body characteristics

• Gill attachment: Adnate to decurrent
• Stem shape: Tapering downwards
• Stem surface: Slimy below, dry above
• Ring: Absent
• Stem cross-section: Solid

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