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Sheathed woodtuft

Kuehneromyces mutabilis

A species of Kuehneromyces, Also known as Two-toned Pholiota

The sheathed woodtuft (Kuehneromyces mutabilis) is a fairly distinctive species that can be found growing in clusters on dead or dying wood in temperate areas across the world. This mushroom's cap has the unusual trait of being highly hygrophanous - this means that its color changes significantly with changes in moisture level. In the case of the sheathed woodtuft, moist individuals are deep orange brown while dry individuals are a lighter brown or buff color.

Cap Diameter:

3 - 8 cm

Odor:

Mildly mushroomy but not distinctive.

General Info About Sheathed woodtuft

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Attributes of Sheathed woodtuft

Cap Diameter

3 - 8 cm

Height

4 - 10 cm

Cap

Cap 3 - 6 cm across; convex to weakly umbonate; dark yellow-brown to tan, ocher; surface smooth

Cap Shape

Convex, Flat, Central Bump

Cap Surfaces

Smooth, Slimy or slightly sticky, Visible lines or stripes

Gills

Attached; close; whitish to pale tan, rusty brown

Gill Attachment

Notched

Stem

Stem 5 - 9 cm long, 1 cm thick; cream, dark reddish brown; surface smooth, with scaly

Stem Shapes

Cylindrical

Stem Surfaces

Scaly

Stem Cross Sections

Hollow or cottony hollow

Flesh

Whitish; unchanging when sliced

Ring

On the stem; whitish

Ring

With Ring

Spore Print Color

Brown to cinnamon brown

Odor

Mildly mushroomy but not distinctive.

Body Color

Brown

Yellow

White

Orange

Flesh Bruises

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

Growth Form

Gregarious

Nutrient Gathering

Saprophytic

Substrate

Dead Woods

You can find Sheathed woodtuft by these plants:

European beech

Occurence Habitats

Deciduous Woodland, Coniferous Woodland, Mixed Woodland

Species Status

Least Concern

Endangered Species

How to Identify Sheathed woodtuft

Fruiting Body Cap Gills

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Habitat of Sheathed woodtuft

The sheathed woodtuft is a woodland mushroom that is commonly associated with broadleaf deciduous trees, particularly birch. It grows on stumps, fallen logs, rotting branches, and buried wood.

Distribution Area of Sheathed woodtuft

North America,Europe,Africa,northern Asia,Australia,New Zealand

Uses of Sheathed woodtuft

Sheathed woodtuft is a valuable edible mushroom, particularly sought after for its rich, nutty flavor and versatility in culinary applications. Popular in many regions, it's seasonally foraged during spring and autumn. While widely consumed, sheathed woodtuft must be cooked properly before eating to avoid potential gastrointestinal discomfort. As a foraging favorite, its popularity underscores the importance of correct identification and preparation to ensure safe consumption.

Scientific Classification of Sheathed woodtuft

Phylum

Club fungi

Class

Mushroom-forming fungi

Order

Gilled fungi

Family

Strophariaceae

Genus

Kuehneromyces

Similar Species to Sheathed woodtuft

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Scaly rustgill

Similar Species

Sheathed woodtuft

How to Differentiate Between Scaly rustgill and Sheathed woodtuft?

Sheathed woodtuft: Distinct ring present on the stem.

Scaly rustgill: Ring absent or only a ring zone.

Sheathed woodtuft: Cap becomes sticky when wet.

Scaly rustgill: Cap does not become notably sticky when wet.

Funeral bell

Similar Species

Sheathed woodtuft

How to Differentiate Between Funeral bell and Sheathed woodtuft?

Sheathed woodtuft: Stem is smooth or slightly scaly towards the base.

Funeral bell: Stem displays prominent scales or fibrous bands.

Sheathed woodtuft: Cap becomes significantly darker and almost viscid when wet.

Funeral bell: Cap does not change dramatically in appearance when wet.

Sulphur tuft

Similar Species

Sheathed woodtuft

How to Differentiate Between Sulphur tuft and Sheathed woodtuft?

Sheathed woodtuft: Typically features a well-defined ring.

Sulphur tuft: Lacks a ring on the stem.

Sheathed woodtuft: Gills are lighter, often pale yellow to cinnamon.

Sulphur tuft: Gills are gray-green, darkening with age.

Tips for Finding Sheathed woodtuft

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When is the Best Time to Find Sheathed woodtuft

Search for sheathed woodtuft in late spring to early summer, after rainy periods when temperatures are mild to moderately warm, avoiding extreme heat or cold.

What are Some Tips for Finding Sheathed woodtuft

Look for sheathed woodtuft on decaying wood, such as stumps and fallen trees, especially those of birch.
Search in areas where hardwoods or conifers are present, as sheathed woodtuft favors these for growth.
Inspect clusters of mushrooms, as sheathed woodtuft rarely grows alone and typically appears in groups.
Focus your search around pileups of cut wood or areas of forest where trees have recently fallen.
Repeatedly visit promising spots, as sheathed woodtuft can grow back in the same place after being harvested.

How to Clean and Preserve Sheathed woodtuft

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How to Clean Sheathed woodtuft

Gently brush off any debris from sheathed woodtuft using a soft brush. If necessary, swiftly rinse under running water, but do not soak to prevent waterlogging. It's crucial to handle sheathed woodtuft delicately to maintain their physical integrity.

Tips on Dry Preservation of Sheathed woodtuft

Drying Methods

Dehydrator Drying, Oven Drying, Air Drying

Drying Duration

12 - 18 months

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

Dehydrator drying: Rapidly removes moisture in controlled conditions, preventing spoilage.

Oven drying: Consistent low heat accelerates drying without cooking the mushrooms.

Air drying: Uses natural airflow and warmth, suitable for less humid climates.

Tips on Freezing Preservation of Sheathed woodtuft

Freezing Methods

Blanching Before Freezing

Freezing Duration

10 - 12 months

Blanching before freezing: Blanch for 3 minutes to preserve texture and reduce enzyme activity.

Tips on Refrigeration Preservation of Sheathed woodtuft

Refrigerating Methods

Paper Bag Storage, Ventilated Container Storage, Cardboard Box Storage, Paper Towel Wrapping, Loose Wrap Storage

Temperature

2 - 4 ℃

Refrigerating Humidity

90 - 95 %

Refrigerating Duration

5 - 7 days

Paper Bag Storage: Store in paper bags to absorb excess moisture and allow for air circulation.

Ventilated Container Storage: Pierce plastic bags to create a ventilated environment, limiting moisture buildup.

Cardboard Box Storage: Use a cardboard box for its absorptive properties, keeping the mushrooms dry.

Paper Towel Wrapping: Line refrigerator shelf with paper towels to absorb moisture and prevent spoilage.

Loose Wrap Storage: Wrap each mushroom in a paper towel then place in a bag for isolated moisture control.

Common Questions People Also Ask

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Can I eat sheathed woodtuft?

Is the sheathed woodtuft poisonous?

Is sheathed woodtuft allergic?

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What does sheathed woodtuft smell like?

How do you cook sheathed woodtuft?

Do sheathed woodtuft grow in spring?

More Mushrooms That Are Similar to Sheathed woodtuft

Funeral bell

Galerina marginata

Enoki

Flammulina velutipes

Common stump brittlestem

Psathyrella piluliformis