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Golden pholiota

Pholiota aurivella

A species of Scalycaps, Also known as Golden scalycap

The largest of the Scalycap mushrooms, the golden pholiota is found around the northern hemisphere on dead deciduous hardwoods, especially beeches. Their distinctive caps are greasy and develop dark scales. Pholiota, the genus name, means “golden fleece,” a reference to both the color and texture. This mushroom has been known to cause stomach upset and is considered inedible.

Cap Diameter:

4 - 16 cm

Odor:

Mildly mushroomy, faintly sweet, no distinctiveness.

General Info About Golden pholiota

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Attributes of Golden pholiota

Cap Diameter

4 - 16 cm

Height

4 - 10 cm

Cap

5 - 15 cm in diameter; hemispherical, convex to umbonate; yellow to ocher; slimy, with loose, reddish brown scales

Cap Shape

Convex

Cap Surfaces

Fibrillose-scaly, Slimy or slightly sticky

Gills

Adnate; crowded; cream to ocher to brown

Gill Attachment

Notched

Stem

Stem 6 - 12 mm in diameter and 3 - 9 cm tall; yellowish, covered in reddish brown scales; dry, with a cobwebby veil when young

Stem Shapes

Cylindrical

Stem Surfaces

Scaly

Flesh

Fibrous; yellowish

Ring

Cottony; pale

Ring

With Ring Zone

Spore Print Color

Brown

Odor

Mildly mushroomy, faintly sweet, no distinctiveness.

Body Color

Yellow

Gold

White

Flesh Bruises

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

Growth Form

Gregarious, Clustered

Nutrient Gathering

Saprophytic

Substrate

Dead Woods, Wood of Living Trees

Occurence Habitats

Deciduous Woodland, Coniferous Woodland

Species Status

Frequently

Endangered Species

How to Identify Golden pholiota

Fruiting Body Cap Gills

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Habitat of Golden pholiota

The golden pholiota is a widely distributed mushroom, mostly found in forests. It grows in clusters on stumps, but it sometimes appears on a living tree, as well.

Distribution Area of Golden pholiota

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

Hunting Values of Golden pholiota

Edibility is disputed. It was previously considered edible but there have been reports of gastrointestinal discomfort following consumption.

Uses of Golden pholiota

Golden pholiota holds a questionable edibility status, implying that it should be consumed with caution due to potential confusion with toxic species or inherent risks. Not commonly sought after for culinary purposes, golden pholiota has limited popularity as an edible mushroom. Foragers should only consider golden pholiota when well-versed in mushroom identification to avoid health hazards. It is crucial to note the safety risks associated with misidentification and to seek expert guidance before consumption.

Scientific Classification of Golden pholiota

Phylum

Club fungi

Class

Mushroom-forming fungi

Order

Gilled fungi

Family

Strophariaceae

Genus

Scalycaps

Similar Species to Golden pholiota

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Shaggy scalycap

Similar Species

Golden pholiota

Confusing Aspects of Shaggy scalycap and Golden pholiota?

Golden pholiota and Shaggy scalycap are often mistaken due to their similar size, cap shape, and the presence of scales on the cap. Both species belong to the genus Pholiota and can be found on decaying wood, which contributes to the confusion.

How to Differentiate Between Shaggy scalycap and Golden pholiota?

Golden pholiota: Has fine, close scales.

Shaggy scalycap: Exhibits prominent, upturned scales.

Jack-o'lantern mushroom

Similar Species

Golden pholiota

How to Differentiate Between Jack-o'lantern mushroom and Golden pholiota?

Golden pholiota: Gills are attached and often slightly run down the stem.

Jack-o'lantern mushroom: Features decurrent gills that run down the length of the stem.

Tips for Finding Golden pholiota

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When is the Best Time to Find Golden pholiota

The best time to find golden pholiota is in late summer to early autumn when the weather is damp. Seek them out after rainfalls when temperatures are cool to mild, but not yet consistently frosty.

What are Some Tips for Finding Golden pholiota

Examine fallen logs, stumps, and trunks of beech trees, as well as other hardwoods and conifers.
Look for groups of mushrooms, as golden pholiota tends to grow in clusters rather than individually.
Inspect both dead and living trees, with a focus on areas showing signs of wood decay.
Gently clear away any leaf litter or debris that might conceal mushrooms growing close to tree bases.

How to Clean and Preserve Golden pholiota

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How to Clean Golden pholiota

To clean golden pholiota, brush off dirt gently with a soft brush. If necessary, briefly rinse under running water, but avoid soaking as this can affect texture. Pat dry delicately with a towel. Handle carefully to preserve their delicate structure.

Tips on Dry Preservation of Golden pholiota

Drying Methods

Dehydrator Drying

Drying Duration

6 - 12 months

Store in a cool, dark, dry place with airtight containers to prevent moisture and light exposure.

Dehydrator drying: Efficient water removal, preserves quality, maintains texture, ideal for high-moisture fungi.

Tips on Freezing Preservation of Golden pholiota

Freezing Methods

Blanching Before Freezing

Freezing Duration

10 - 12 months

Blanching before freezing: Briefly immersing in boiling water then cooling to enhance preservation.

Tips on Refrigeration Preservation of Golden pholiota

Refrigerating Methods

Paper Bag Storage, Perforated Plastic Bag Storage, Cardboard Box Storage, Cloth Wrapping

Temperature

2 - 4 ℃

Refrigerating Humidity

85 - 90 %

Refrigerating Duration

5 - 7 days

Paper Bag Storage: Store in paper bags to absorb excess moisture, allowing them to breathe and stay dry.

Perforated Plastic Bag Storage: Use perforated bags to maintain high humidity while allowing airflow to prevent condensation.

Cardboard Box Storage: A loosely closed cardboard box keeps mushrooms dry and ventilated, preventing moisture buildup.

Cloth Wrapping: Wrap mushrooms lightly in a clean, dry towel to wick away moisture, then place in the refrigerator.

Common Questions People Also Ask

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Where does golden pholiota grow?

When does golden pholiota appear?

More Mushrooms That Are Similar to Golden pholiota

Pholiota adiposa

Shaggy scalycap

Pholiota squarrosa

Sulcate sunhead

Heliocybe sulcata