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Hemipholiota populnea

A species of Hemipholiota

Hemipholiota populnea, sometimes listed as Pholiota populnea in guidebooks, is a large and distinctive mushroom that is almost always found growing on dead cottonwood trees. Fruitbodies of the hemipholiota populnea have an almost overstuffed appearance - they sport stocky caps and stalks that are often shaggy.

Cap Diameter:

8 - 25 cm

Odor:

Mildly mushroomy, potentially slightly unpleasant.

General Info About Hemipholiota populnea

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Attributes of Hemipholiota populnea

Cap Diameter

8 - 25 cm

Height

4 - 12 cm

Cap

Cap 8 - 26 cm across; convex, broadly convex; yellowish brown, whitish to buff; with buff scales, veil remnants; margin shaggy

Cap Shape

Convex

Cap Surfaces

Fibrillose-scaly, Slimy or slightly sticky

Gills

Adnexed; close; whitish, brownish to cinnamon brown

Gill Attachment

Attached

Stem

Stem 4 - 10 cm long, 3 - 6 cm thick; club-shaped; white; with cottony scales

Stem Shapes

Club Shaped

Stem Surfaces

Scaly

Flesh

White; not changing when sliced

Ring

Near the apexs of stem; recurved; white

Ring

With Ring

Spore Print Color

Cinnamon brown

Odor

Mildly mushroomy, potentially slightly unpleasant.

Body Color

Brown

Yellow

White

Flesh Bruises

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

Growth Form

Solitary, Gregarious

Nutrient Gathering

Saprophytic

Substrate

Dead Woods

You can find Hemipholiota populnea by these plants:

Eastern cottonwood, Narrowleaf cottonwood, Balsam poplar, Populus, Horse Chestnut , Willows

Occurence Habitats

Deciduous Woodland

Species Status

Widely distributed

Endangered Species

How to Identify Hemipholiota populnea

Fruiting Body Cap Gills

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Habitat of Hemipholiota populnea

The habitat of the hemipholiota populnea includes any area where cottonwood (Populus sect. Aigeiros) occurs. It grows exclusively on dead cottonwood - stumps and recently-downed logs.

Hunting Values of Hemipholiota populnea

The edibility is controversial. Some guides list it as edible but due to its hard texture, others consider it inedible. Overall, it's not worth collecting because of its texture.

Uses of Hemipholiota populnea

Hemipholiota populnea is recognized as a mushroom with questionable edibility. It should be approached with caution due to potential toxicity or adverse effects when consumed. Its practical applications are limited, and it's not popular in culinary circles. Collectors often bypass hemipholiota populnea due to these safety concerns. If considered for use, thorough research and expert consultation are advised to mitigate health risks.

Scientific Classification of Hemipholiota populnea

Phylum

Club fungi

Class

Mushroom-forming fungi

Order

Gilled fungi

Family

Strophariaceae

Genus

Hemipholiota

Similar Species to Hemipholiota populnea

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Shaggy scalycap

Similar Species

Hemipholiota populnea

Confusing Aspects of Shaggy scalycap and Hemipholiota populnea?

Both Hemipholiota populnea and Shaggy scalycap have scaly caps and grow on wood, making them easily mistaken for one another.

How to Differentiate Between Shaggy scalycap and Hemipholiota populnea?

Hemipholiota populnea: Usually grows on dead or living poplar trees.

Shaggy scalycap: Typically found growing on a variety of hardwoods but not specifically associated with poplars.

Rooting poison pie

Similar Species

Hemipholiota populnea

Confusing Aspects of Rooting poison pie and Hemipholiota populnea?

Both Hemipholiota populnea and Rooting poison pie have scaly caps and grow on wood, making them easily mistaken for one another.

How to Differentiate Between Rooting poison pie and Hemipholiota populnea?

Hemipholiota populnea: Usually grows on dead or living poplar trees.

Rooting poison pie: Typically found growing on the ground, often near tree roots but not specifically associated with poplars.

Tips for Finding Hemipholiota populnea

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When is the Best Time to Find Hemipholiota populnea

Search for hemipholiota populnea in late summer to fall, when the weather starts cooling down. This mushroom prefers post-rain conditions with moist soil, and damp weather after rain showers is optimal for foraging.

What are Some Tips for Finding Hemipholiota populnea

Search along the banks of rivers and streams where cottonwood trees are present.
Examine deadwood, especially from recently fallen logs or stumps.
Look for hemipholiota populnea growing alone or in clusters, often on cut surfaces of the wood.
Search within areas known to have a prevalence of cottonwood trees.
Approach the search as a year-round activity, without focusing on a specific season.

How to Clean and Preserve Hemipholiota populnea

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How to Clean Hemipholiota populnea

Gently brush off any debris from hemipholiota populnea using a soft brush. Avoid soaking to maintain integrity since mushrooms absorb moisture. Dry-brushing is usually sufficient to clean mushrooms.

Tips on Dry Preservation of Hemipholiota populnea

Drying Methods

Dehydrator Drying

Drying Duration

6 - 12 months

Store in a cool, dark place with low humidity and good ventilation to prevent moisture accumulation.

Dehydrator drying: Efficient for consistent, even drying, suitable for regulating lower temperatures to retain structural integrity.

Tips on Freezing Preservation of Hemipholiota populnea

Freezing Methods

Blanching Before Freezing

Freezing Duration

10 - 12 months

Blanching before freezing: Inactivates enzymes, preserving texture and color.

Tips on Refrigeration Preservation of Hemipholiota populnea

Refrigerating Methods

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

Temperature

1 - 4 ℃

Refrigerating Humidity

90 - 95 %

Refrigerating Duration

5 - 7 days

Cloth Wrapping: Encase mushrooms in a damp cloth to maintain moisture while allowing air circulation.

Paper Bag Storage: Place mushrooms loosely in paper bags, which absorb excess moisture and minimize spoilage.

Plastic Wrap Storage: Wrap mushrooms in plastic, poking small holes for ventilation, to balance humidity and freshness.

Container with Absorbent Lining: Use compartments in containers to prevent mushrooms from touching, reducing mushiness and spoilage.

Common Questions People Also Ask

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