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Psathyrella conopilus is a common and widespread saprobic mushroom characterized by its distinctly conical cap, slender stem, and brittle flesh. It is often found in grassy areas, gardens, and disturbed ground, particularly after rain. Its ephemeral nature and delicate structure are typical of the genus Psathyrella.
How to Identify
- Cap
- The cap is typically 2-6 cm in diameter, acutely conical to campanulate (bell-shaped), often retaining a pointed umbo. The color varies from dark brown to reddish-brown when moist, fading to pale buff or grayish-tan when dry (hygrophanous). The margin is often striate when moist and may be slightly incurved when young, becoming straight with age. The surface is smooth, sometimes finely pruinose when young.
- Gills
- The gills are adnate to adnexed, crowded, and narrow. They are initially pale grayish-brown, becoming dark purplish-brown to blackish with age due to the maturing spores. There are numerous lamellulae (short gills).
- Stem
- The stem is 5-15 cm long and 0.2-0.6 cm thick, very slender, hollow, and brittle. It is whitish to pale brownish, often darkening towards the base. The surface is smooth or finely pruinose, especially towards the apex. There is no ring or volva.
- Flesh
- The flesh is very thin, fragile, and whitish to pale brownish. It has no distinctive odor or taste.
- Fruiting body
- The fruiting body is delicate and brittle, typical of the Psathyrella genus. It is characterized by a conical cap and a slender, often tall stem.
- Habitat
- Saprobic, growing on decaying wood (often buried), wood chips, leaf litter, or rich soil. It is commonly found in lawns, gardens, parks, roadsides, and disturbed areas, often in scattered groups or singly.
Key Facts
- Cap surfaces: Smooth, hygrophanous, often striate at margin when moist.
- Growth Form: Scattered, gregarious, or solitary.
- Spore Print: Dark purplish-brown to blackish.
- Body color: Cap: Dark brown to reddish-brown (moist), fading to pale buff/grayish-tan (dry). Stem: Whitish to pale brownish.
- Odor: Indistinct.
- Flesh bruises: Does not bruise.
- Height: 5-15 cm
- Cap Diameter: 2-6 cm
- Nutrient gathering: Saprobic
Safe
SafePsathyrella conopilus is generally considered inedible due to its small size, fragile nature, and lack of culinary value. While not known to be toxic, it is not recommended for consumption. There are no reports of specific toxins, but consumption of wild mushrooms without positive identification by an expert is always risky. Many small brown mushrooms (LBMs - 'Little Brown Mushrooms') can be difficult to distinguish and some are poisonous.
Quick Check
- Odor: Indistinct
- Fruiting: Spring to autumn, sometimes into early winter in milder climates.
- Substrate: Decaying wood (often buried), wood chips, leaf litter, rich soil.
Where to Find
Europe
Widespread across temperate regions of Europe.
North America
Common throughout North America, particularly in eastern and western regions.
Asia
Reported from various parts of Asia, though less extensively documented than in Europe and North America.
Australia and New Zealand
Also found in parts of Australasia.
Finding Tips
Look in disturbed areas
This mushroom frequently appears in lawns, gardens, parks, and along roadsides where there is decaying organic matter or buried wood.
Check after rain
Like many Psathyrella species, P. conopilus is hygrophanous and often fruits in flushes after periods of rain, especially during spring, summer, and autumn.
Examine wood debris
While it can appear to grow from soil, it is often associated with buried wood or wood chips, so check areas with such debris.
Similar Species
Common Brittlestem
Psathyrella
Also known as: Psathyrella candolleana
Glistening Inkcap
Coprinellus
Also known as: Coprinellus micaceus
Fairy Inkcap
Coprinellus
Also known as: Coprinellus disseminatus
Scientific Classification
- Phylum
- Basidiomycota
- Class
- Agaricomycetes
- Order
- Agaricales
- Family
- Psathyrellaceae
- Genus
- Psathyrella
Storage Information
- Max Temperature: Not applicable
- Freezing duration: Not applicable
- Min Temperature: Not applicable
- Refrigeration: Not applicable
How to Clean
Not applicable, as this mushroom is not considered edible.
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