How to identify Jelly Tooth Fungus

To correctly identify Jelly Tooth Fungus (Pseudohydnum gelatinosum), 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 translucent, gelatinous, and irregularly shaped, often lobed or fused together. It can range in color from whitish to grayish-brown.

2. 2

   Gills

   Attachment to stem, color, and spacing.

   Absent; instead, it has tooth-like spines or projections on the underside.

3. 3

   Stem

   Length, shape, surface, and any ring.

   The stem is often reduced or absent; when present, it is short and indistinct.

4. 4

   Flesh

   Color, texture, and bruising reaction.

   The flesh is gelatinous and translucent, lacking distinct flavor or odor.

5. 5

   Fruiting body

   Overall growth pattern.

   The fruiting body is a gelatinous mass with tooth-like spines on the underside.

6. 6

   Habitat

   Where it grows and on what substrate.

   Found on decaying hardwood, particularly beech and birch, in moist woodland environments.

Key Facts

Cap surfaces

Gelatinous, Smooth

Growth Form

Clustered

Spore Print

White

Body color

Whitish to Grayish-Brown

Odor

Mild, indistinct

Flesh bruises

No bruising reaction

Height

1-4 cm

Cap Diameter

2-15 cm

Fruit body characteristics

• Gill attachment: N/A (Spines instead of gills)
• Stem shape: N/A (Stem is often reduced or absent)
• Stem surface: N/A (Stem is often reduced or absent)
• Ring: Absent
• Stem cross-section: N/A (Stem is often reduced or absent)

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