About this fungus
Earle's Toughshank is a fungus in the Omphalotaceae family. Its habitat and field characteristics are summarised below.
Small tan mushrooms growing tightly together from damp litter or decayed vegetation.
What to check
Look for a tough slender stem, pale attached gills, white print and tawny hairs around the stem base.
Variation
Caps fade as they dry and crowded clusters may produce distorted stems and caps.
Lookalikes
The Gymnopus dryophilus group and related collybioid mushrooms overlap in the field.
Habitat and range
A North American litter and plant-debris decomposer, often reported in wet ground and during spring.
Food safety
Inedible.
Photographs
Photo: Chris McAnlis · CC BY 4.0