How to identify Cinnamon Cap

To correctly identify Cinnamon Cap (Phaeolepiota aurea), 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 typically 5-20 cm in diameter, convex to flattened, with a granular to scaly surface. The color ranges from cinnamon-brown to orange-brown, often fading with age.

2. 2

   Gills

   Attachment to stem, color, and spacing.

   The gills are crowded, free to adnexed, and yellowish to brownish in color. They may darken with age.

3. 3

   Stem

   Length, shape, surface, and any ring.

   The stem is 5-15 cm long and 1-3 cm thick, cylindrical, and often curved. The surface is granular to fibrillose, with a ring that may be fragile and disappear with age.

4. 4

   Flesh

   Color, texture, and bruising reaction.

   The flesh is yellowish to brownish, with a mild odor and taste.

5. 5

   Fruiting body

   Overall growth pattern.

   The overall appearance is a medium to large mushroom with a distinctive cinnamon-brown color and granular cap surface.

6. 6

   Habitat

   Where it grows and on what substrate.

   Found in disturbed soil and wooded areas, often near decaying organic matter.

Key Facts

Cap surfaces

Granular to scaly

Growth Form

Solitary to scattered

Spore Print

Rusty brown

Body color

Cinnamon-brown to orange-brown

Odor

Mild

Flesh bruises

No significant bruising

Height

5-15 cm

Cap Diameter

5-20 cm

Fruit body characteristics

• Gill attachment: Free to adnexed
• Stem shape: Cylindrical, often curved
• Stem surface: Granular to fibrillose
• Ring: Present, often fragile and may disappear with age
• Stem cross-section: Solid

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