How to identify Wrinkled Peach

To correctly identify Wrinkled Peach (Rhodotus palmatus), 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 2-10 cm (0.8-4 inches) in diameter, convex to broadly convex, becoming flattened with age, often with a depressed center. Its most striking feature is the deeply wrinkled, reticulated, or veined surface, resembling a network of ridges and grooves. The color ranges from pale pink to peach, apricot, or reddish-orange, often fading with age or exposure to light. The margin is typically inrolled when young, becoming wavy or lobed with maturity.

2. 2

   Gills

   Attachment to stem, color, and spacing.

   The gills are adnate to adnexed, sometimes nearly free, moderately crowded, and relatively broad. They are initially pale pinkish, becoming more salmon-pink or orange-pink with age. They often exude small droplets of reddish liquid when young and fresh, especially in humid conditions.

3. 3

   Stem

   Length, shape, surface, and any ring.

   The stem is 2-6 cm (0.8-2.4 inches) long and 0.5-1.5 cm (0.2-0.6 inches) thick, central or slightly eccentric, often curved. It is typically concolorous with the cap or slightly paler, sometimes with a finely hairy or pruinose (powdery) surface, especially towards the apex. The base is often slightly swollen. There is no ring or volva.

4. 4

   Flesh

   Color, texture, and bruising reaction.

   The flesh is firm, elastic, and somewhat rubbery, whitish to pale pinkish, and does not change color when bruised or cut.

5. 5

   Fruiting body

   Overall growth pattern.

   The fruiting body is agaricoid (mushroom-shaped), typically solitary or in small clusters.

6. 6

   Habitat

   Where it grows and on what substrate.

   Saprobic, growing on decaying hardwood logs, stumps, and branches, particularly elm (Ulmus spp.), but also occasionally on maple (Acer spp.), basswood (Tilia spp.), and other hardwoods. It prefers moist, shaded environments.

Key Facts

Cap surfaces

Deeply wrinkled, reticulated, or veined; often slimy or sticky when moist, becoming dry with age.

Growth Form

Solitary to gregarious (in small clusters).

Spore Print

Pinkish to salmon-pink.

Body color

Pale pink, peach, apricot, reddish-orange.

Odor

Mild, sometimes fruity.

Flesh bruises

Does not bruise.

Height

2-6 cm (0.8-2.4 inches)

Cap Diameter

2-10 cm (0.8-4 inches)

Fruit body characteristics

• Gill attachment: Adnate to adnexed, sometimes nearly free.
• Stem shape: Cylindrical, often curved, sometimes slightly swollen at the base.
• Stem surface: Smooth to finely pruinose, concolorous with cap or paler.
• Ring: Absent.
• Stem cross-section: Solid.

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