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Conifer tuft

Hypholoma capnoides

A species of Hypholoma, Also known as Smoky-gilled hypholoma

As its common name implies, the conifer tuft grows on dead conifers, either singly or in groups. It can be found around the northern hemisphere in the autumn season. Take care to distinguish this species from the highly toxic Sulphur Tuft. Inspect the gills closely; those of the conifer tuft are pale grey, and never green.

Cap Diameter:

3 - 7 cm

Odor:

Mild, not distinctive.

General Info About Conifer tuft

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Attributes of Conifer tuft

Cap Diameter

3 - 7 cm

Height

5 - 8 cm

Cap

2 - 6 cm; bell-shaped to convex, or nearly flat; yellowish brown to cinnamon brown, but some

Cap Shape

Bell-shaped, Convex, Flat

Cap Surfaces

Smooth, Slimy or slightly sticky

Gills

Close; whitish to yellowish, gray, smoky brown

Gill Attachment

Attached

Stem

2 - 8 cm long, 4 - 10 mm thick; equal; colored like the cap, or more pale

Stem Shapes

Cylindrical

Stem Surfaces

Fibrillose

Stem Cross Sections

Hollow or cottony hollow

Flesh

Whitish to yellowish; sometimes slowly yellowing when sliced

Ring

Not have a persistent stem ring

Ring

Ringless

Spore Print Color

Purple brown

Odor

Mild, not distinctive.

Body Color

Brown

Yellow

Orange

Flesh Bruises

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

Growth Form

Gregarious, Clustered

Nutrient Gathering

Saprophytic

Substrate

Dead Woods

You can find Conifer tuft by these plants:

Common douglas-fir, Red pine, Spruces, Firs, Pines

Occurence Habitats

Coniferous Woodland

Species Status

Least Concern

Endangered Species

How to Identify Conifer tuft

Fruiting Body Immature Fruiting Body Cap

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Habitat of Conifer tuft

The conifer tuft is a woodland mushroom associated with conifers, especially pines and Douglas fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii). The mushroom grows on dead or decaying wood, on stumps, logs, buried wood, or exposed roots of a conifer.

Hunting Values of Conifer tuft

Dangerous, there are toxic species that can be easily mistaken for this one.

Uses of Conifer tuft

Conifer tuft is recognized for its culinary potential, albeit with significant cautions due to possible confusion with toxic species. While not a mainstream choice, its edibility can be appreciated by expert foragers during its fruiting season. Despite this, the risks involved necessitate strict identification to avoid hazardous misidentification. Consuming conifer tuft should only be done after thorough verification and preparation to mitigate safety concerns.

Scientific Classification of Conifer tuft

Phylum

Club fungi

Class

Mushroom-forming fungi

Order

Gilled fungi

Family

Hymenogastraceae

Genus

Hypholoma

Toxicity and Edibility of Conifer tuft

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Is Conifer tuft Toxic?

Generally considered poor-quality for eating, foraging for the conifer tuft is not recommended. Inexperienced mushroom hunters can easily mistake the conifer tuft for some other small-sized mushrooms that are poisonous. Some of its poisonous lookalikes are Hypholoma fasciculare (the sulphur tuft) and Galerina marginata (the funeral bell).

Is Conifer tuft Toxic to Dogs?

Though the sulfur tuft, a close relative of conifer tuft, is poisonous to dogs, there is no reliable information that suggests that conifer tuft is also toxic to dogs. However, if your pet displays any symptoms after consuming wild mushrooms, it is advisable to seek veterinary assistance. It is easy to confuse mushroom species and some can be deadly. Often symptoms don’t occur for several hours and can include nausea, vomiting, drooling, diarrhea, and gastrointestinal discomfort.

Edibility of Conifer tuft

Conifer tuft is reported to be edible and has a mild flavor. However, this mushroom is incredibly small and hard to find, giving it little culinary value. Furthermore, this mushroom can easily be confused with other mushrooms such as Sulfur Tuft, Funeral Bell, and Brick Caps, all of which are incredibly toxic.

Similar Species to Conifer tuft

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Sulphur tuft

Similar Species

Conifer tuft

How to Differentiate Between Sulphur tuft and Conifer tuft?

Conifer tuft: Gills are initially whitish to yellowish then become greyish as the mushroom matures.

Sulphur tuft: Gills are initially yellow then turn greenish-grey.

Snakeskin Brownie

Similar Species

Conifer tuft

How to Differentiate Between Snakeskin Brownie and Conifer tuft?

Conifer tuft: Gills remain grayish even when mature.

Snakeskin Brownie: Gills turn purplish-brown at maturity.

Hypholoma dispersum

Similar Species

Conifer tuft

How to Differentiate Between Hypholoma dispersum and Conifer tuft?

Conifer tuft: Tends to grow in tight clusters on wood.

Hypholoma dispersum: Usually found singly or scattered on wood debris.

Tips for Finding Conifer tuft

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When is the Best Time to Find Conifer tuft

Search for conifer tuft during late summer to fall when the weather begins to cool. Their growth peaks after rain in these seasons, especially when daytime temperatures are mild and the air is moist.

What are Some Tips for Finding Conifer tuft

Look for areas with clusters of conifers, such as pine and Douglas-fir, since conifer tuft often grows on or near their decayed logs.
Inspect around conifer stumps and exposed roots, as conifer tuft may grow singly or in small tufts there.
Search in environments that have recently undergone trimming or logging activities, especially in pine plantations.
Check for conifer tuft at different times within a single location, as they can appear periodically.

How to Clean and Preserve Conifer tuft

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How to Clean Conifer tuft

To clean conifer tuft, brush any debris gently from the cap with a soft brush. Trim the base of the stem to remove substrate remnants. If necessary, dampen a cloth and lightly wipe the mushroom surface. Handle with care to maintain physical integrity.

Tips on Dry Preservation of Conifer tuft

Drying Methods

Dehydrator Drying, Oven Drying, Air Drying

Drying Duration

6 - 12 months

Store in airtight containers in a cool, dark, dry place with stable temperature.

Dehydrator drying: Uniform heat circulation enables thorough moisture removal within 6-10 hours.

Oven drying: A consistent low temperature removes moisture without cooking the contents.

Air drying: Natural method suitable for environments with low humidity and good air flow.

Tips on Freezing Preservation of Conifer tuft

Freezing Methods

Blanching Before Freezing

Freezing Duration

10 - 12 months

Blanching before freezing: Inactivates enzymes, preserves texture & quality better for firm mushrooms.

Tips on Refrigeration Preservation of Conifer tuft

Refrigerating Methods

Paper Bag Storage, Perforated Plastic Bag Storage, Cloth Wrapping

Temperature

2 - 4 ℃

Refrigerating Humidity

90 - 95 %

Refrigerating Duration

5 - 7 days

Paper Bag Storage: Allows air circulation, preventing moisture buildup that causes decay.

Perforated Plastic Bag Storage: Small holes provide airflow yet retain some humidity, balancing dryness and moisture.

Cloth Wrapping: A lightly moistened cloth in a container maintains humidity without direct contact with mushrooms.

Common Questions People Also Ask

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Where does conifer tuft found?

More Mushrooms That Are Similar to Conifer tuft

Sulphur tuft

Hypholoma fasciculare

Brick cap

Hypholoma lateritium