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Brick cap

Hypholoma lateritium

A species of Hypholoma, Also known as Brick tuft, Red woodlover, Kuritake

This tufting mushroom grows on hardwood stumps and deadwood. The brick cap seems particularly fond of oak wood. It is similar in most respects to the Sulfur Tuft or Conifer Tuft, except that its cap is a brick red color. Brick caps should be regarded as inedible and are likely to cause stomach problems if consumed.

Cap Diameter:

3 - 10 cm

Odor:

No significant scent, mildly mushroomy.

General Info About Brick cap

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Attributes of Brick cap

Cap Diameter

3 - 10 cm

Height

5 - 12 cm

Cap

Cap 3 - 10 cm; convex, nearly flat; brick red; bald, dry or moist; incurved margin when young

Cap Shape

Convex, Flat, Central Bump

Cap Surfaces

Fibrillose-scaly

Gills

Adnexed; close or crowded; whitish to gray, brown; when young covered by a whitish, cortina-like veil

Gill Attachment

Attached

Stem

Stem 4 - 12 cm long, 1 - 2 cm thick; equal, or twisted and tapering to base ; yellowish to whitish above, brown to reddish below

Stem Shapes

Cylindrical

Stem Surfaces

Fibrillose

Stem Cross Sections

Hollow or cottony hollow

Flesh

Firm; whitish to yellowish

Ring

Near the top; ephemeral or persistent

Ring

With Ring Zone

Spore Print Color

Purple-brown

Odor

No significant scent, mildly mushroomy.

Body Color

Brown

Yellow

Red

White

Pink

Flesh Bruises

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

Growth Form

Clustered, Gregarious

Nutrient Gathering

Saprophytic

Substrate

Dead Woods

You can find Brick cap by these plants:

Oaks, European beech

Occurence Habitats

Deciduous Woodland

Species Status

More common east of the Rocky Mountains

Endangered Species

How to Identify Brick cap

Fruiting Body Cap Gills

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Habitat of Brick cap

The brick cap appears in wooded areas and it's often associated with hardwood trees, particularly oaks. It grows on dead or decaying wood such as stumps, dead roots, or a standing dead tree.

Hunting Values of Brick cap

Edibility is disputed. Some guides consider it edible and an overlooked culinary mushroom, but others assert that it may be poisonous.

Uses of Brick cap

Brick cap holds a questionable edibility status, implying potential risks when consumed. It's not widely popular as a food source due to safety concerns. Enthusiasts who consider its collection value must exercise caution, as mistaken identity can lead to health issues. Brick cap's use is not mainstream in culinary or medicinal practices; it remains essential for foragers to be well-informed about the species' characteristics and to consult experts before attempting consumption.

Scientific Classification of Brick cap

Phylum

Club fungi

Class

Mushroom-forming fungi

Order

Gilled fungi

Family

Hymenogastraceae

Genus

Hypholoma

Toxicity and Edibility of Brick cap

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Is Brick cap Toxic?

There have been numerous cases of gastrointestinal problems in people who ingested the brick cap, so we consider this mushroom to be moderately toxic. Current information on the edibility and toxicity of the brick cap is conflicting, therefore, the consumption of the mushroom should be avoided.

Similar Species to Brick cap

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Sulphur tuft

Similar Species

Brick cap

How to Differentiate Between Sulphur tuft and Brick cap?

Brick cap: The gills are pale yellow becoming greyish with age.

Sulphur tuft: Gills are yellow, then green-grey as the mushroom matures.

Brick cap: Has a brick-red to orange-brown cap.

Sulphur tuft: Features a bright yellow to greenish-yellow cap.

Tips for Finding Brick cap

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When is the Best Time to Find Brick cap

Seek brick cap during autumn, particularly after a period of rain followed by a few warm, sunny days. Mild temperatures and increased moisture improve your chances of a successful find.

What are Some Tips for Finding Brick cap

Inspect the stumps and exposed or buried roots of hardwood trees, especially oaks, for small clusters of brick cap.
Look for brick cap where mature hardwood trees have fallen or been cut, as this provides their preferred substrate.
If on a trail, scan the sides for dead hardwood material which could be potential habitats for brick cap.
Gently probe around the base of hardwood stumps or roots as brick cap may grow slightly buried or in less visible spots.

How to Clean and Preserve Brick cap

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How to Clean Brick cap

To clean brick cap, gently brush off any debris with a soft brush. For stubborn dirt, lightly dampen a cloth and wipe the mushroom's surface, avoiding excessive moisture to maintain its integrity.

Tips on Dry Preservation of Brick cap

Drying Methods

Dehydrator Drying, Oven Drying, Air Drying

Drying Duration

6 - 12 months

Store in a cool, dark, dry place with low humidity and a steady temperature.

Dehydrator drying: Controlled airflow/heat ensures rapid water removal and consistent drying.

Oven drying: Set at low temperature, keeps drying process even and prevents spoilage.

Air drying: Natural method, suitable for low humidity environments, requires good ventilation.

Tips on Freezing Preservation of Brick cap

Freezing Methods

Blanching Before Freezing

Freezing Duration

10 - 12 months

Blanching before freezing: Brief heating to inactivate enzymes before quick chilling and freezing.

Tips on Refrigeration Preservation of Brick cap

Refrigerating Methods

Paper Bag Storage, Cloth Wrapping, Plastic Wrap Storage, Original Packaging Storage

Temperature

2 - 4 ℃

Refrigerating Humidity

90 - 95 %

Refrigerating Duration

5 - 7 days

Paper Bag Storage: Store in paper bags to allow air circulation and moisture absorption, preventing spoilage and sliminess.

Cloth Wrapping: Wrap mushrooms in a damp cloth to maintain proper moisture levels without waterlogging.

Plastic Wrap Storage: Cover container with plastic wrap, poke holes for ventilation to balance humidity while reducing dehydration.

Original Packaging Storage: If sold in breathable containers, keep them in the original packaging inside the fridge.

Common Questions People Also Ask

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What color is brick cap?

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More Mushrooms That Are Similar to Brick cap

Sulphur tuft

Hypholoma fasciculare

Conifer tuft

Hypholoma capnoides