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Angel's Wings (Pleurocybella porrigens) is a small, white mushroom that grows on decaying conifer wood. It is characterized by its pure white color, thin flesh, and lack of a stem. Once considered edible, it has been implicated in several cases of encephalopathy in Japan and is now considered potentially toxic.
How to Identify
- Cap
- The cap is pure white, thin, smooth, and has a delicate, almost translucent appearance. The margin is often wavy or lobed.
- Gills
- The gills are white, closely spaced, and run down the stem (decurrent).
- Stem
- The stem is either very short or absent.
- Flesh
- The flesh is very thin and white.
- Fruiting body
- The fruiting body is small to medium-sized, typically 2-5 cm across, and shaped like a fan or shell.
- Habitat
- Angel's Wings grows on decaying conifer wood, especially pine and hemlock. It is typically found in late summer and fall.
Key Facts
- Cap surfaces: Smooth
- Growth Form: Lateral, growing from wood
- Spore Print: White
- Body color: Pure white
- Odor: Mild
- Flesh bruises: Does not bruise
- Height: Up to 3 cm
- Cap Diameter: 2-5 cm
- Nutrient gathering: Saprophytic
Toxic
Severe ToxicityOnce considered edible, Angel's Wings has been implicated in several cases of encephalopathy (brain disease) in Japan, particularly in individuals with pre-existing kidney disease. It is now considered potentially toxic, and consumption is not recommended.
Quick Check
- Odor: Mild, not distinctive
- Fruiting: Late summer to fall
- Substrate: Decaying conifer wood
Where to Find
North America
Prefers coniferous forests with decaying wood.
Europe
Found in similar habitats as in North America.
Asia
Especially common in Japan, where toxicity has been reported.
Finding Tips
Look for Conifer Wood
Search for decaying logs and branches of coniferous trees like pine and hemlock.
Check in Late Summer and Fall
This is the typical fruiting season for Angel's Wings.
Examine White Fan-Shaped Fungi
Pay close attention to any small, white, fan-shaped mushrooms growing on wood.
Similar Species
Oyster Mushroom
an edible mushroom
Also known as: Pleurotus ostreatus
Scientific Classification
- Phylum
- Basidiomycota
- Class
- Agaricomycetes
- Order
- Agaricales
- Family
- Marasmiaceae
- Genus
- Pleurocybella
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