How to identify Poplar Pholiota

To correctly identify Poplar Pholiota (Pholiota populnea), 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.

   Bright yellow, convex to flattened, scaly surface, often sticky when young.

2. 2

   Gills

   Attachment to stem, color, and spacing.

   Yellowish, close, adnate to slightly decurrent.

3. 3

   Stem

   Length, shape, surface, and any ring.

   Yellow, scaly below the ring, often curved.

4. 4

   Flesh

   Color, texture, and bruising reaction.

   Yellowish, firm.

5. 5

   Fruiting body

   Overall growth pattern.

   Grows in dense clusters on wood.

6. 6

   Habitat

   Where it grows and on what substrate.

   Dead or decaying wood, especially poplar.

Key Facts

Cap surfaces

Scaly, sticky when young

Growth Form

Clustered

Spore Print

Brown

Body color

Yellow

Odor

Mild, mushroomy

Flesh bruises

No significant bruising

Height

5-12 cm

Cap Diameter

3-10 cm

Fruit body characteristics

• Gill attachment: Adnate to slightly decurrent
• Stem shape: Cylindrical
• Stem surface: Scaly below the ring
• Ring: Present, but may be fragile and disappear with age
• Stem cross-section: Solid

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