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The Rooting shank (Xerula radicata) is a mushroom species characterized by its long, root-like stem extension that buries into the substrate. It is typically found in deciduous woods, often near decaying wood or tree roots. The cap is usually slimy when moist and varies in color from yellowish-brown to tan. The gills are white and widely spaced. The stem is long and slender, with a distinctive rooting base. It is considered edible but not particularly flavorful.
How to Identify
- Cap
- The cap is typically 3-8 cm in diameter, convex to flattened, and often has a broad umbo (a central raised area). The surface is slimy when moist and varies in color from yellowish-brown to tan.
- Gills
- The gills are white, widely spaced, and free to adnexed (narrowly attached) to the stem.
- Stem
- The stem is long and slender, typically 8-20 cm long, with a distinctive rooting base that extends deep into the substrate.
- Flesh
- The flesh is white and thin.
- Fruiting body
- The fruiting body consists of a cap and a long, slender stem with a distinctive rooting base.
- Habitat
- Found in deciduous woods, often near decaying wood or tree roots.
Key Facts
- Cap surfaces: Slimy when moist
- Growth Form: Solitary to scattered
- Spore Print: White
- Body color: White to yellowish-brown
- Odor: Mild, not distinctive
- Flesh bruises: Does not typically bruise
- Height: 8-20 cm
- Cap Diameter: 3-8 cm
- Nutrient gathering: Saprobic
Safe
SafeThe Rooting shank is considered edible but not particularly flavorful. No significant toxicity is reported.
Quick Check
- Odor: Mild
- Fruiting: Late summer to autumn
- Substrate: Decaying wood or tree roots
Where to Find
Woodland Habitats
Deciduous woods, particularly near decaying wood or tree roots.
Finding Tips
Rooting Stem
Look for mushrooms with a long, root-like stem extension.
Habitat
Check near decaying wood or tree roots in deciduous forests.
Slimy Cap
The cap is often slimy when moist.
Similar Species
Porcelain Fungus
Mushroom
Also known as: Oudemansiella mucida
Scientific Classification
- Phylum
- Basidiomycota
- Class
- Agaricomycetes
- Order
- Agaricales
- Family
- Physalacriaceae
- Genus
- Xerula
Storage Information
- Max Temperature: 2
- Freezing duration: 3 months
- Min Temperature: -2
- Refrigeration: 3 days
How to Clean
Gently brush off any dirt or debris from the cap and stem. Avoid soaking in water to prevent the mushroom from becoming waterlogged.
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