How to identify Grey Knight

To correctly identify Grey Knight (Tricholoma terreum), 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 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.

2. 2

   Gills

   Attachment to stem, color, and spacing.

   The gills are adnate to slightly decurrent, crowded, and white to greyish in color. They may have a slightly serrated edge.

3. 3

   Stem

   Length, shape, surface, and any ring.

   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.

4. 4

   Flesh

   Color, texture, and bruising reaction.

   The flesh is white to greyish, thin, and has a mild, mealy odor and taste.

5. 5

   Fruiting body

   Overall growth pattern.

   The fruiting body of Tricholoma terreum is a small to medium-sized mushroom with a grey cap and a white to greyish stem.

6. 6

   Habitat

   Where it grows and on what substrate.

   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

Fruit body characteristics

• Gill attachment: Adnate to slightly decurrent
• Stem shape: Cylindrical
• Stem surface: Dry, slightly fibrillose
• Ring: Absent
• Stem cross-section: Solid

Explore Grey Knight