How to identify Conical Brittlestem

To correctly identify Conical Brittlestem (Psathyrella conopilus), 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 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.

2. 2

   Gills

   Attachment to stem, color, and spacing.

   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).

3. 3

   Stem

   Length, shape, surface, and any ring.

   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.

4. 4

   Flesh

   Color, texture, and bruising reaction.

   The flesh is very thin, fragile, and whitish to pale brownish. It has no distinctive odor or taste.

5. 5

   Fruiting body

   Overall growth pattern.

   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.

6. 6

   Habitat

   Where it grows and on what substrate.

   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

Fruit body characteristics

• Gill attachment: Adnate to adnexed.
• Stem shape: Cylindrical, slender.
• Stem surface: Smooth or finely pruinose.
• Ring: Absent.
• Stem cross-section: Hollow.

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