How to identify Brittlestem

To correctly identify Brittlestem (Psathyrella), 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.

   Small, conical to convex, often fragile. Color varies from whitish to brownish. Surface may be smooth or slightly wrinkled.

2. 2

   Gills

   Attachment to stem, color, and spacing.

   Close to crowded, adnate to adnexed, often turning blackish or grayish as spores mature.

3. 3

   Stem

   Length, shape, surface, and any ring.

   Slender, fragile, and often hollow. Color is typically whitish to brownish.

4. 4

   Flesh

   Color, texture, and bruising reaction.

   Thin and fragile.

5. 5

   Fruiting body

   Overall growth pattern.

   Small and delicate.

6. 6

   Habitat

   Where it grows and on what substrate.

   Grasslands, woodlands, disturbed soils.

Key Facts

Cap surfaces

Smooth or slightly wrinkled

Growth Form

Solitary or in small groups

Spore Print

Dark brown to black

Body color

Whitish to brownish

Odor

Often indistinct

Flesh bruises

No significant bruising

Height

2-8 cm

Cap Diameter

0.5-3 cm

Fruit body characteristics

• Gill attachment: Adnate to adnexed
• Stem shape: Cylindrical
• Stem surface: Smooth or slightly fibrillose
• Ring: Absent
• Stem cross-section: Hollow

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