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Scaly wood mushroom

Agaricus sylvaticus

A species of Agaricus, Also known as Pinewood mushroom, The red staining mushroom

As hinted by its name, scaly wood mushroom has a scaly cap and stem. This mushroom is known to rapidly bruise red when contacted, which is often referred to as blushing. Scaly wood mushroom is a decomposer that most frequently grows in woodlands during the fall.

Cap Diameter:

6 - 16 cm

Odor:

Faintly earthy, not particularly unique.

General Info About Scaly wood mushroom

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Attributes of Scaly wood mushroom

Cap Diameter

6 - 16 cm

Height

5 - 15 cm

Cap

Cap 10 cm across; hemispherical to flat; with broad scales

Cap Shape

Convex, Flat

Cap Surfaces

Fibrillose-scaly

Gills

Free; crowded; pink, red, dark brown

Gill Attachment

Free

Stem

Stem 1 - 1.2 cm thick; brownish; surface smooth; siaplay brown when bruised

Stem Shapes

Club Shaped

Stem Surfaces

Scaly

Stem Cross Sections

Hollow or cottony hollow

Flesh

Thin; firm; white; turning reddish when cut

Ring

On stem; dirty brown

Ring

With Ring

Spore Print Color

Chocolate brown

Odor

Faintly earthy, not particularly unique.

Body Color

Brown

Gray

Flesh Bruises

Discolor to pink or red

Growth Form

Gregarious

Nutrient Gathering

Saprophytic

Substrate

On soil

You can find Scaly wood mushroom by these plants:

Spruces, Firs

Occurence Habitats

Mixed Woodland, Deciduous Woodland, Coniferous Woodland

Species Status

Least Concern

Endangered Species

How to Identify Scaly wood mushroom

Fruiting Body Cap Gills

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Habitat of Scaly wood mushroom

The scaly wood mushroom is a woodland mushroom that occurs in mixed forests, but also in urban settings such as parklands. It grows on the ground under trees, feeding on decomposing organic material such as leaf litter and rotting pine needles.

Uses of Scaly wood mushroom

Scaly wood mushroom is a valued edible mushroom, appreciated for its culinary versatility. Popular when in season, scaly wood mushroom is often foraged and used in various dishes for its appealing flavor. Despite being edible, it's crucial for foragers to correctly identify scaly wood mushroom due to potential confusion with toxic species. Consuming only well-identified scaly wood mushroom ensures safe and enjoyable culinary experiences.

Scientific Classification of Scaly wood mushroom

Phylum

Club fungi

Class

Mushroom-forming fungi

Order

Gilled fungi

Family

Agaricaceae

Genus

Agaricus

Similar Species to Scaly wood mushroom

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Inky mushroom

Similar Species

Scaly wood mushroom

How to Differentiate Between Inky mushroom and Scaly wood mushroom?

Scaly wood mushroom: Cap has a reddish-brown hue.

Inky mushroom: Cap appears more gray-brown.

Scaly wood mushroom: Flesh remains white or becomes slightly pinkish upon exposure.

Inky mushroom: Flesh turns yellow and subsequently brown when cut or bruised.

Scaly wood mushroom: Has a pleasant smell or mushroomy.

Inky mushroom: Produces a phenolic or ink-like smell.

Tips for Finding Scaly wood mushroom

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When is the Best Time to Find Scaly wood mushroom

Seek scaly wood mushroom in late summer to early autumn, following periods of rain with mild temperatures, which provide the moisture they need to thrive. Cooler nights and warm days are typically the best combination for finding scaly wood mushroom.

What are the Ideal Soil Conditions for Scaly wood mushroom

Prefers rich, moist but well-drained soil.

What are Some Tips for Finding Scaly wood mushroom

Look for scaly wood mushroom in areas with ground cover such as fallen leaves or pine needles, often near tree bases.
Examine well-shaded spots under the canopy of mixed or coniferous woods where indirect sunlight promotes growth.
Check for slight mounds or disruptions in the soil that may indicate the presence of scaly wood mushroom emerging.
Visit the potential habitats of scaly wood mushroom after a rain when moisture may stimulate the emergence of fruiting bodies.
Carefully move aside leaf litter and debris in likely growth spots, as scaly wood mushroom can be partially concealed.

How to Clean and Preserve Scaly wood mushroom

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How to Clean Scaly wood mushroom

To clean scaly wood mushroom, submerge and gently agitate them in water briefly, ensuring that dirt settles to the bottom, and then remove and pat dry without soaking, to preserve the mushrooms' integrity.

Tips on Dry Preservation of Scaly wood mushroom

Drying Methods

Dehydrator Drying, Oven Drying, Air Drying

Drying Duration

12 - 18 months

Store in airtight containers, cool, dark, low-humidity environment to maintain quality.

Dehydrator drying: Controlled environment ensures consistent drying without risk of spoilage.

Oven drying: Set at low temperature to slowly reduce moisture content while maintaining integrity.

Air drying: Use in well-ventilated area away from direct sunlight for gentle moisture evaporation.

Tips on Freezing Preservation of Scaly wood mushroom

Freezing Methods

Blanching Before Freezing

Freezing Duration

10 - 12 months

Blanching before freezing: Brief immersion in boiling water, then cooling and drying before freezing.

Tips on Refrigeration Preservation of Scaly wood mushroom

Refrigerating Methods

Paper Bag Storage, Plastic Wrap Storage, Container with Absorbent Lining

Temperature

2 - 4 ℃

Refrigerating Humidity

90 - 95 %

Refrigerating Duration

5 - 7 days

Paper Bag Storage: Reduces moisture buildup, allowing them to 'breathe' and stay dry.

Plastic Wrap Storage: Wrapping loosely permits air circulation while retaining some moisture.

Container with Absorbent Lining: Absorbs excess moisture, prolongs freshness.

Common Questions People Also Ask

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More Mushrooms That Are Similar to Scaly wood mushroom

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