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Scaly rustgill

Gymnopilus sapineus

A species of Rustgills, Also known as Fir flamecap

The scientific name, Gymnopilus sapineus, tells you much of what you need to know to identify the scaly rustgill: it is the “naked cap of pine.” This smooth-capped mushroom indeed grows most commonly on fallen conifer wood buried in leaf litter on the forest floor. It is inedible and possibly even poisonous, given the known toxicity of many of its Gymnopilus cousins.

Cap Diameter:

2 - 9 cm

Odor:

Slight, general mushroom smell, non-distinctive.

General Info About Scaly rustgill

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Attributes of Scaly rustgill

Cap Diameter

2 - 9 cm

Height

4 - 8 cm

Cap

2 - 8 cm wide; convex or nearly flat; yellowish to reddish brown; smooth

Cap Shape

Convex, Flat, Central Bump

Cap Surfaces

Smooth, Fibrillose-scaly

Gills

Close; yellow, whitish to rusty brown

Gill Attachment

Attached

Stem

3 - 7 cm long, under 1 cm thick; equal; paler than cap-color; smooth or finely hairy

Stem Shapes

Cylindrical

Stem Surfaces

Fibrillose

Flesh

Whitish or pale yellow

Ring

Ringless

Spore Print Color

Rusty brown to orange-brown

Odor

Slight, general mushroom smell, non-distinctive.

Body Color

Brown

Black

Yellow

Red

Flesh Bruises

The flesh or milk does not discolor when bruised or cut.

Growth Form

Solitary, Scattered, Gregarious

Nutrient Gathering

Saprophytic

Substrate

Dead Woods

You can find Scaly rustgill by these plants:

Pines, Serbian spruce, Scots pine

Occurence Habitats

Coniferous Woodland

Species Status

Widely distributed in North America

Endangered Species

How to Identify Scaly rustgill

Fruiting Body Cap Gills

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Habitat of Scaly rustgill

The scaly rustgill is a woodland mushroom that is closely associated with conifers, particularly pine. It grows on decaying conifer material such as cones, stumps, logs, branches, or buried wood.

Scientific Classification of Scaly rustgill

Phylum

Club fungi

Class

Mushroom-forming fungi

Order

Gilled fungi

Family

Hymenogastraceae

Genus

Rustgills

Toxicity and Edibility of Scaly rustgill

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Is Scaly rustgill Toxic?

Scaly rustgill is classified as inedible due to its bitter taste and potential toxicity. This small mushroom is widely distributed and typically grows densely on dead conifers. The full extent of its potential toxicity remains unclear, emphasizing the need for further research and caution in handling this species.

Type of poisoning

Neurotoxic

Toxic Severity

Low to high toxicity

Incubation Period

0.5-3 hours

Poisoning Symptoms

Manifests as mental confusion, mood swings, hallucinations, and cardiovascular issues including low blood pressure and a fast heartbeat. These symptoms can be dangerous to the individual and others. Severe cases may also experience heavy nausea and vomiting.

Similar Species to Scaly rustgill

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Tips for Finding Scaly rustgill

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What are Some Tips for Finding Scaly rustgill

Search near fallen coniferous trees, such as pines, where scaly rustgill often grow.
Inspect decaying logs, stumps, and scattered branches specifically from conifer trees.
Look for scaly rustgill in areas with plenty of downed branches or pine cones, indicative of suitable debris for growth.
Investigate clusters of mushrooms as scaly rustgill can grow gregariously, making them easier to spot when in groups.