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Pale brittlestem

Psathyrella candolleana

A species of Brittlestems, Also known as Suburban psathyrella

This delicate little mushroom occurs in woodlands, meadows, and lawns across the northern hemisphere. Pale brittlestems appear in small groups in shaded areas during summer and autumn. They are known for their fragility—collectors have a hard time getting a sample home in one piece! Caps fade from honey-brown when young to pure white with age.

Cap Diameter:

3 - 11 cm

Odor:

Generally mild, not particularly distinctive.

General Info About Pale brittlestem

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Attributes of Pale brittlestem

Cap Diameter

3 - 11 cm

Height

4 - 13 cm

Cap

3 - 11 cm; rounded-conical to broadly bell-shaped; honey yellow , pale brownish when dry; bald

Cap Shape

Convex, Bell-shaped, Flat, Central Bump

Cap Surfaces

Smooth, Visible lines or stripes

Gills

Adnexed; close or crowded; whitish to grayish, dark brown

Gill Attachment

Attached

Stem

4 - 13 cm long, 3 - 8 mm thick; equal, fragile, hollowing; white

Stem Shapes

Cylindrical

Stem Surfaces

Smooth

Stem Cross Sections

Hollow or cottony hollow

Flesh

Very thin; fragile; brownish to whitish

Ring

Not persisting

Ring

Ringless

Spore Print Color

Dark brown

Odor

Generally mild, not particularly distinctive.

Body Color

Brown

Yellow

White

Flesh Bruises

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

Growth Form

Solitary, Gregarious

Nutrient Gathering

Saprophytic

Substrate

On soil, Dead Woods

Occurence Habitats

Meadows, Deciduous Woodland

Species Status

Widespread and common

Endangered Species

How to Identify Pale brittlestem

Fruiting Body Cap Flesh

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Habitat of Pale brittlestem

Roadsides, fields, pastures, and hardwood forests are the preferred habitats for pale brittlestem mushrooms. They grow in detritus like leaf litter, dung, and rotting wood.

Scientific Classification of Pale brittlestem

Phylum

Club fungi

Class

Mushroom-forming fungi

Order

Gilled fungi

Family

Coprinaceae

Genus

Brittlestems

Toxicity and Edibility of Pale brittlestem

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Edibility of Pale brittlestem

Pale brittlestem is reported to be edible but has little culinary value. Though this mushroom is known for its good flavor, it has a very thin flesh and little consistency. It is also incredibly difficult to identify accurately. Therefore, pale brittlestem is often not recommended.

Similar Species to Pale brittlestem

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Tips for Finding Pale brittlestem

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What are the Ideal Soil Conditions for Pale brittlestem

Prefers rich, moist, well-drained soil.

What are Some Tips for Finding Pale brittlestem

Examine areas where dead hardwood debris is present, especially around stumps and roots.
Check open spaces like lawns and pastures that are moist and have rich soil.
Inspect cultivated lands, maintaining focus on soil health and moisture levels.
Search gregariously in woods but remain close to clearings where light can foster growth.