Conical brittlestem is one of many so-called "little brown mushrooms" and it can be quite difficult to distinguish. Its cap is generally reddish-brown, but it becomes very pale in dry weather. It is a saprobic species that grows and feeds on decomposing organic matter, such as leaf litter.
Cap Diameter:
2 - 4 cm
Odor:
Mildly mushroomy but not distinctive.
In This Article
Attributes
Similar Species
Tips for Finding
Clean and Preserve
Common Questions
General Info About Conical brittlestem
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Attributes of Conical brittlestem
Cap Diameter
2 - 4 cm
Height
7 - 15 cm
Cap
Cap 2 - 3.5 cm across; conical, bell-shaped; red-brown, grey-beige, ochre; margin with finely striate
Cap Shape
Bell-shaped
Cap Surfaces
Visible lines or stripes, Smooth
Gills
Adnate, adnexed; crowded; greyish brown to black
Gill Attachment
Attached
Stem
Stem 7 - 14 cm long, 2 - 4 mm thick; white; surface smooth
Stem Shapes
Cylindrical
Stem Surfaces
Smooth
Stem Cross Sections
Hollow or cottony hollow
Flesh
Thin; fragile; pale, watery brownish
Ring
Ringless
Spore Print Color
Black
Odor
Mildly mushroomy but not distinctive.
Body Color
Brown
Yellow
Gray
White
Cream
Flesh Bruises
The flesh or milk does not discolor when bruised or cut.
Conical brittlestem often emerges in habitats where there's leaf litter, especially beneath deciduous trees, and alongside pathways with scattered twigs.
