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Tricholoma terreum, commonly known as the grey knight, is a small, grey-capped mushroom of the large genus Tricholoma. It is fairly common in woodlands, often associated with beech. It is regarded as edible.
How to Identify
- Cap
- The cap is typically 3–7 cm in diameter, convex to flattened, and often has a slightly umbonate shape. The surface is dry, fibrillose, and grey to grey-brown in color. The margin is often wavy and may be slightly inrolled when young.
- Gills
- The gills are adnate to slightly decurrent, crowded, and white to greyish in color. They may have a slightly serrated edge.
- Stem
- The stem is 3–8 cm long and 0.5–1.5 cm thick, cylindrical, and white to greyish in color. The surface is dry and may be slightly fibrillose. There is no ring or volva.
- Flesh
- The flesh is white to greyish, thin, and has a mild, mealy odor and taste.
- Fruiting body
- The fruiting body of Tricholoma terreum is a small to medium-sized mushroom with a grey cap and a white to greyish stem.
- Habitat
- Tricholoma terreum is found in woodlands, often associated with beech trees. It fruits in autumn.
Key Facts
- Cap surfaces: Dry, fibrillose
- Growth Form: Solitary or in small groups
- Spore Print: White
- Body color: Grey
- Odor: Mealy
- Flesh bruises: Does not bruise
- Height: 3-8 cm
- Cap Diameter: 3-7 cm
- Nutrient gathering: Mycorrhizal
Safe
SafeTricholoma terreum is generally considered edible, but it can be confused with toxic look-alikes. It is important to positively identify the mushroom before consumption.
Quick Check
- Odor: Mealy
- Fruiting: Autumn
- Substrate: Woodland soil, often under beech
Where to Find
Europe
Common throughout Europe, particularly in beech woodlands.
North America
Found in some regions of North America, often under hardwoods.
Finding Tips
Look Under Beech Trees
Search for these mushrooms in the autumn under beech trees.
Check for Grey Caps
Identify by the small, grey caps and white to greyish stems.
Similar Species
Tricholoma pardinum
mushroom
Also known as: Tiger Tricholoma
Tricholoma scalpturatum
mushroom
Also known as: Yellowing Knight
Scientific Classification
- Phylum
- Basidiomycota
- Class
- Agaricomycetes
- Order
- Agaricales
- Family
- Tricholomataceae
- Genus
- Tricholoma
Storage Information
- Max Temperature: 2
- Freezing duration: 3 months
- Min Temperature: -18
- Refrigeration: 3 days
How to Clean
Clean Tricholoma terreum by gently brushing off any dirt or debris. Avoid soaking in water, as they can become waterlogged.
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