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Shaggy scalycap

Pholiota squarrosa

A species of Scalycaps, Also known as Shaggy pholiota

These mushrooms are most commonly found in clusters underneath old broadleaf trees and on their stumps. Their scientific name, Pholiota squarrosa, means “scaly with upright scales,” and that is exactly how the surface of the mushrooms appears. They are sometimes mistaken for honey fungus, as they share the same color, but the shaggy scalycap is definitely not edible.

Cap Diameter:

4 - 12 cm

Odor:

Mild, may have garlic-lemon undertones.

General Info About Shaggy scalycap

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Attributes of Shaggy scalycap

Cap Diameter

4 - 12 cm

Height

6 - 15 cm

Cap

Cap 3 - 12 cm across; convex to flat to weakly umbonate; pale yellow to pale ocher; with scales

Cap Shape

Convex, Flat

Cap Surfaces

Fibrillose-scaly

Gills

Attached, decurrent; close, crowded; pale, greenish yellow, rusty brown

Gill Attachment

Attached

Stem

Stem 4 - 12 cm long, 1.5 cm thick; yellowish, brown to reddish brown; with scales

Stem Shapes

Cylindrical

Stem Surfaces

Scaly

Flesh

Tough; yellowish

Ring

Upper part of the stem; woolly, fibrous; yellowish

Ring

With Ring

Spore Print Color

Brown

Odor

Mild, may have garlic-lemon undertones.

Body Color

Brown

Yellow

Red

Flesh Bruises

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

Growth Form

Gregarious, Clustered

Nutrient Gathering

Saprophytic, Parasitic

Substrate

Wood of Living Trees, Dead Woods

You can find Shaggy scalycap by these plants:

Quaking aspen, Willows, Ashes

Occurence Habitats

Deciduous Woodland, Coniferous Woodland, Mixed Woodland

Species Status

Widely distributed

Endangered Species

How to Identify Shaggy scalycap

Fruiting Body Cap Flesh

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Habitat of Shaggy scalycap

The shaggy scalycap grows in wooded areas, and it's mostly associated with broadleaf deciduous trees. It grows on deadwood or living trees, and may be found on the ground if near the base of a trunk.

Distribution Area of Shaggy scalycap

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

Scientific Classification of Shaggy scalycap

Phylum

Club fungi

Class

Mushroom-forming fungi

Order

Gilled fungi

Family

Strophariaceae

Genus

Scalycaps

Toxicity and Edibility of Shaggy scalycap

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Is Shaggy scalycap Toxic?

Shaggy scalycap is typically found in deciduous and coniferous woods during autumn. Morphologically distinguishable with its dry, scaly cap. Consumption can lead to intense digestive issues lasting up to a week, decrease in heart rate, low blood pressure and potential neurological effects. It is highly recommended to avoid ingestion due to its adverse health effects.

Type of poisoning

Gastrointestinal

Toxic Severity

Moderate toxicity

Incubation Period

0.25-4 hours

Poisoning Symptoms

Intense digestive issues: including nausea, stomach cramps, vomiting, and diarrhea, which can persist for as long as a week.

Some individuals may also experience a decreased heart rate and lowered blood pressure. Neurological effects can occur as well.

Similar Species to Shaggy scalycap

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Tips for Finding Shaggy scalycap

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What are Some Tips for Finding Shaggy scalycap

Search at the base of hardwood, particularly aspen trees, and coniferous tree stumps.
Look for dense, clustered growths; shaggy scalycap often grows in noticeable congregations.
Check around fallen logs and dead tree matter in forested areas.
Examine the bases of trees, live or dead, as shaggy scalycap may exhibit parasitic or saprobic traits.
Revisit productive sites repeatedly, as shaggy scalycap can recur in the same location over multiple seasons.