A relatively rare mushroom with a very unusual habitat, the dune brittlestem grows in sand dunes on dead Marram Grass (Ammophila arenaria). This extremely salt-tolerant species was even named after this beach grass (hence 'ammophila' in its Latin name). Depending on the age and light exposure, the dune brittlestem can be very variable in appearance.
Cap Diameter:
3 - 5 cm
Odor:
Mild, indistinct earthy mushroom scent.
In This Article
Attributes
Similar Species
Tips for Finding
Clean and Preserve
Common Questions
General Info About Dune brittlestem
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Attributes of Dune brittlestem
Cap Diameter
3 - 5 cm
Height
5 - 11 cm
Cap
1 - 4 cm in diameter; campanulate, convex, gradually flattening ; tan when younger; smooth, coated with sand particles
Cap Shape
Bell-shaped, Flat
Cap Surfaces
Smooth
Gills
Adnexed; crowded; pallid brown when young, most are dark brown
Gill Attachment
Attached
Stem
Typically 3 - 7 cm tall and 2 - 5 mm in diameter; centrally attached to the cap; light grey to pale brown; smooth
Stem Shapes
Cylindrical
Stem Surfaces
Smooth
Flesh
Thin; brittle; pale
Ring
Ringless
Spore Print Color
Dark brown to very dark brown with a slight red tinge
Odor
Mild, indistinct earthy mushroom scent.
Body Color
Brown
Black
Bronze
Flesh Bruises
The flesh or milk does not discolor when bruised or cut.
Growth Form
Scattered
Nutrient Gathering
Saprophytic
Substrate
On soil
You can find Dune brittlestem by these plants:
European beach grass
Occurence Habitats
Scrublands
Species Status
Wide but sparse distribution throughout the European continent
Endangered Species
No
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Habitat of Dune brittlestem
Dune brittlestem typically inhabits coastal areas, favoring sandy dunes and environments with abundant decaying grass roots.
