Horsehair fungus is easy to confuse with similar species. However, it is often found in different habitats, thriving on dead, fallen wood and growing in small clusters. Its age can be determined by the color of the stalk. Juveniles have a lighter stalk, gradually turning brownish-red to black in maturity.
Cap Diameter:
3 - 12 mm
Odor:
Mildly mushroomy but not distinctive.
In This Article
Attributes
Similar Species
Tips for Finding
Clean and Preserve
Common Questions
General Info About Horsehair fungus
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Attributes of Horsehair fungus
Cap Diameter
3 - 12 mm
Height
3 - 6 cm
Cap
Cap 4 - 11 mm; convex; brown, center is darker; smooth but corrugated, dry, bald
Cap Shape
Convex, Flat, Depressed
Cap Surfaces
Smooth, Visible lines or stripes
Gills
Broadly attached to the stem; distant; pinkish
Gill Attachment
Attached
Stem
Stem 2 - 7 cm long, up to 1 mm thick; equal; dark reddish brown to black; dry, wiry, shiny
Stem Shapes
Cylindrical
Stem Surfaces
Smooth
Flesh
Insubstantial; pale brownish; unchanging when sliced
Ring
Ringless
Spore Print Color
White
Odor
Mildly mushroomy but not distinctive.
Body Color
Brown
Black
Red
Orange
Pink
Flesh Bruises
The flesh or milk does not discolor when bruised or cut.
Growth Form
Gregarious
Nutrient Gathering
Saprophytic
Substrate
Dead Woods, Leaf or Needle Litter
You can find Horsehair fungus by these plants:
Jack pine, Spruces, Pines, Firs
Occurence Habitats
Coniferous Woodland, Mixed Woodland
Species Status
Widely distributed
Endangered Species
No
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Habitat of Horsehair fungus
Horsehair fungus thrives in environments littered with coniferous or hardwood debris, often on dead wood from deciduous trees.
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Tips for Finding Horsehair fungus
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What are the Ideal Soil Conditions for Horsehair fungus
Rich with decaying plant matter, moist but not waterlogged.
What are Some Tips for Finding Horsehair fungus
Investigate areas with abundant needle litter, such as those under conifer trees like redwoods or pines.
Examine decaying wood, mainly from deciduous hardwood, as horsehair fungus frequently populates these substrates.
Look closely at the forest floor, focusing on spots where organic debris accumulates to ensure that small groups of horsehair fungus are not overlooked.
Stay vigilant after periods of rainfall, as moisture may encourage the fruiting of horsehair fungus.
Gently move aside leaf litter to reveal any hidden horsehair fungus that may be growing gregariously.
How to Clean and Preserve Horsehair fungus
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Common Questions People Also Ask
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