About this fungus
Redleg Toughshank is a fungus in the Omphalotaceae family. Its habitat and field characteristics are summarised below.
A long-lived cluster of small brown caps on springy stems that stay dark reddish brown below even after the caps fade.
What to check
Look for a smooth shiny bicoloured stem, reddish basal hairs, pale attached gills and growth from woody material. Microscopy can confirm the spore and cystidial characters.
Variation
Moist caps are darker and may show translucent lines; drying quickly fades them to buff. The lower stem remains reddish after the cap has paled.
Lookalikes
Gymnopus acervatus grows in denser clusters and often has purplish young colours. The Gymnopus dryophilus group overlaps strongly and lacks a simple field-only separation.
Habitat and range
A northern temperate species recorded in Europe and North America on hardwood debris, chips, litter and occasionally rich soil in parks or gardens.
Food safety
Inedible.