Home > Clustered brittlestem

Clustered brittlestem

Psathyrella multipedata

A species of Brittlestems

Clustered brittlestem tends to grow in a group. It fruits throughout spring to fall, and even winter in warm climates. It can be found in rotting woods of open woodlands throughout Europe. As it ages, the mushroom's color transforms from a rich ochre-brown to white.

Cap Diameter:

1 - 4 cm

Odor:

Mild, non-distinctive mushroom scent.

General Info About Clustered brittlestem

Instantly identify mushrooms with a snap

Snap a photo for instant mushroom ID and risk assessment, gaining quick insights on edible guidelines, toxicity, medical value, habitat, culture, and foraging techniques, etc.

Download the App for Free

Attributes of Clustered brittlestem

Cap Diameter

1 - 4 cm

Height

4 - 12 cm

Cap

Cap 5 - 30 mm across; convex; pale gray-brown, cream to gray-cream; fragile; surface smooth; margin striate

Cap Shape

Convex, Bell-shaped

Cap Surfaces

Smooth

Gills

Adnate, adnexed; crowded; whitish to black

Gill Attachment

Attached

Stem

Stem 4 - 10 cm long, 3 - 6 mm thick; whitish; fragile; surface smooth

Stem Shapes

Cylindrical

Stem Surfaces

Smooth to slightly fibrous

Stem Cross Sections

Hollow or cottony hollow

Flesh

Thin; white

Ring

Ringless

Spore Print Color

Dark purple-brown

Odor

Mild, non-distinctive mushroom scent.

Body Color

Brown

Yellow

Red

White

Flesh Bruises

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

Growth Form

Gregarious

Nutrient Gathering

Saprophytic

Substrate

On soil, Dead Woods

Occurence Habitats

Deciduous Woodland

Species Status

Uncommon but quite widespread

Endangered Species

How to Identify Clustered brittlestem

Fruiting Body Cap Gills

AI mushroom expert in your pocket

Habitat of Clustered brittlestem

Clustered brittlestem often grows in habitats that include open woodlands, particularly where buried wood and rotting timber are found.

Distribution Area of Clustered brittlestem

North America,Europe,New Zealand

Hunting Values of Clustered brittlestem

Despite being classified as edible, the brittle texture of this mushroom makes it not worth collecting.

Uses of Clustered brittlestem

Clustered brittlestem is recognized as an edible mushroom species. It's valued for its culinary applications, particularly by foraging enthusiasts and those who appreciate wild mushrooms. While not the most popular, it has a niche following due to its unique flavor. Seasonally available, clustered brittlestem can be a delightful find for those knowledgeable in mushroom identification. However, as with any wild mushroom, proper identification and preparation are crucial to ensure safety when consuming clustered brittlestem.

Scientific Classification of Clustered brittlestem

Phylum

Club fungi

Class

Mushroom-forming fungi

Order

Gilled fungi

Family

Coprinaceae

Genus

Brittlestems

Similar Species to Clustered brittlestem

Unlocking the Secrets of Identifying Many Types of Mushroom

Master the Art of Distinguishing Mushroom Varieties with Expert Tips.

Download the App for Free

Tips for Finding Clustered brittlestem

Your Ultimate Guide to Understanding Mushrooms

Explore the Ins and Outs of Mushroom Hunting: Timing, Optimal Soil Conditions, and More Tips!

Download the App for Free

When is the Best Time to Find Clustered brittlestem

Seek clustered brittlestem in the late summer through to fall when the weather is damp. After periods of rainfall is ideal, as these mushrooms thrive in wetter conditions and cooler temperatures.

What are the Ideal Soil Conditions for Clustered brittlestem

Well-decomposed woody material.

What are Some Tips for Finding Clustered brittlestem

Check open woodland areas for fallen trees and branches, especially where the wood appears to be in advanced stages of decay.
Search around areas with abundant woody debris, such as the base of dead trees or stumps, and places with obvious signs of rotting wood.
Gently dig into the layer of leaf litter in woodland areas to reveal buried wood, which may host clustered brittlestem.
Inspect piles of wood chips or sawdust in natural settings, as clustered brittlestem might grow in these nutrient-rich substrates.
Regularly revisit the same woodland locations to potentially discover new growth of clustered brittlestem, given their recurring nature in familiar habitats.

How to Clean and Preserve Clustered brittlestem

Your Comprehensive Mushroom Preservation Guide

Explore efficient methods for cleaning and preserving mushrooms to ensure their freshness and quality.

Download the App for Free

How to Clean Clustered brittlestem

Gently remove loose debris from clustered brittlestem by hand or with a soft brush. Avoid soaking as it can make clustered brittlestem soggy; if necessary, use a damp cloth to wipe the surface. Handle clustered brittlestem carefully to preserve their delicate structure.

Tips on Dry Preservation of Clustered brittlestem

Drying Methods

Dehydrator Drying

Drying Duration

6 - 12 months

Store in airtight containers, cool place, away from light, low humidity.

Dehydrator drying: Ensures consistent, low heat for moisture removal without cooking.

Tips on Refrigeration Preservation of Clustered brittlestem

Refrigerating Methods

Paper Bag Storage, Plastic Wrap Storage, Container with Absorbent Lining

Temperature

2 - 4 ℃

Refrigerating Humidity

85 - 90 %

Refrigerating Duration

5 - 7 days

Paper Bag Storage: Store in a paper bag in the fridge to allow for air circulation and moisture absorption, reducing spoilage.

Plastic Wrap Storage: Wrap loosely in plastic with holes poked for ventilation, maintaining humidity while avoiding condensation.

Container with Absorbent Lining: Place mushrooms in a glass container lined with paper towels to absorb excess moisture, sealing lightly.

Common Questions People Also Ask

Get Quick Mushroom Answers with a Snap

Snap a photo for instant mushroom ID and answers on edible guidelines, toxicity, medical value, habitat, culture, and foraging techniques!

Download the App for Free

More Mushrooms That Are Similar to Clustered brittlestem

Common stump brittlestem

Psathyrella piluliformis

Fairy inkcap

Coprinellus disseminatus