How to identify Wine Cap Mushroom

To correctly identify Wine Cap Mushroom (Stropharia rugosoannulata), 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 5-20 cm in diameter, starting convex and flattening with age. The color ranges from wine-red to reddish-brown, often fading to tan at the edges. The surface is smooth and slightly sticky when moist.

2. 2

   Gills

   Attachment to stem, color, and spacing.

   The gills are crowded and start as pale gray, turning dark purple-brown as the spores mature.

3. 3

   Stem

   Length, shape, surface, and any ring.

   The stem is sturdy, 5-15 cm long and 1-3 cm thick, white to pale yellow, and has a distinctive ring. The base of the stem may have mycelial threads.

4. 4

   Flesh

   Color, texture, and bruising reaction.

   The flesh is firm and white, sometimes with a reddish tint near the cap surface. It does not typically change color when bruised.

5. 5

   Fruiting body

   Overall growth pattern.

   Large size, wine-red cap, and a prominent ring on the stem are key features.

6. 6

   Habitat

   Where it grows and on what substrate.

   Found in gardens, wood chip beds, and compost piles, often growing in clusters.

Key Facts

Cap surfaces

smooth, slightly sticky when moist

Growth Form

saprophytic

Spore Print

dark purple-brown

Body color

reddish-brown

Odor

mild, mushroomy

Flesh bruises

no bruising

Height

5-15 cm

Cap Diameter

5-20 cm

Fruit body characteristics

• Gill attachment: adnate to slightly decurrent
• Stem shape: cylindrical
• Stem surface: smooth to slightly scaly
• Ring: prominent, often ragged or torn
• Stem cross-section: solid

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