Home > Common stump brittlestem

Common stump brittlestem

Psathyrella piluliformis

A species of Brittlestems

This wood-rotting mushroom prefers damp, shaded locations as it decomposes the stumps and fallen branches of broadleaf trees or conifers. Foraging for the common stump brittlestem is discouraged as there are many poisonous look-alikes and, further, it has no particular culinary value no matter how it’s cooked.

Cap Diameter:

2 - 7 cm

Odor:

Mildly mushroomy but not distinctive.

General Info About Common stump 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 Common stump brittlestem

Cap Diameter

2 - 7 cm

Height

8 - 10 cm

Cap

Cap 3 - 7 cm; convex; brown to dull tan; when young with a belt of white veil tissue along the margin

Cap Shape

Convex, Bell-shaped, Flat

Cap Surfaces

Smooth, Slimy or slightly sticky

Gills

Broadly attached; close; whitish to brown

Gill Attachment

Attached

Stem

Stem 6 - 9 cm long, 4 - 9 mm thick; equal; whitish, discoloring brownish where handled; fragile

Stem Shapes

Cylindrical

Stem Surfaces

Smooth to slightly fibrous

Stem Cross Sections

Hollow or cottony hollow

Flesh

Thin; fragile; watery brownish

Ring

Ringless

Spore Print Color

Brown

Odor

Mildly mushroomy but not distinctive.

Body Color

Brown

Red

Bronze

White

Flesh Bruises

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

Growth Form

Gregarious, Clustered

Nutrient Gathering

Saprophytic

Substrate

Dead Woods

You can find Common stump brittlestem by these plants:

European beech, Oaks

Occurence Habitats

Deciduous Woodland

Species Status

Widely distributed

Endangered Species

How to Identify Common stump brittlestem

Fruiting Body Cap Flesh

AI mushroom expert in your pocket

Habitat of Common stump brittlestem

The Psathyrella piluliformis is a woodland mushroom that prefers dark and damp sites closely associated with deciduous trees. It grows on deadwood or decaying wood and it is often found fruiting on decaying stumps or on buried wood. Even when it appears terrestrial, it actually grows on buried rotten wood.

Hunting Values of Common stump brittlestem

Dangerous, there are toxic species that can be easily confused with it.

Uses of Common stump brittlestem

Common stump brittlestem is an edible species, yet it comes with significant risks due to its close resemblance to poisonous varieties. Its edibility is overshadowed by the danger of misidentification, and thus it is rarely sought after for culinary use. Seasonally available, common stump brittlestem should only be consumed when identified by experts, and even then, caution is paramount. It lacks popularity as a food source due to safety concerns.

Scientific Classification of Common stump brittlestem

Phylum

Club fungi

Class

Mushroom-forming fungi

Order

Gilled fungi

Family

Coprinaceae

Genus

Brittlestems

Similar Species to Common stump 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

Mower's mushroom

Similar Species

Common stump brittlestem

How to Differentiate Between Mower's mushroom and Common stump brittlestem?

Common stump brittlestem: Gills are adnate to adnexed.

Mower's mushroom: Gills are mottled and attached with a broad, sinuate connection.

Common stump brittlestem: Stem is fragile, snaps like chalk.

Mower's mushroom: Stem is more fibrous, doesn't break easily.

Tips for Finding Common stump 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 Common stump brittlestem

Seek out common stump brittlestem during late summer to fall, after light rains. These conditions foster growth. Favorable temperatures are 50-70°F (10-21°C) during the day, and mild nights not dipping below 40°F (4°C).

What are the Ideal Soil Conditions for Common stump brittlestem

Humid with decaying or buried wood present.

What are Some Tips for Finding Common stump brittlestem

Look for clusters near the base of hardwood stumps, as common stump brittlestem often grows in these settings.
Check for small to large groups of common stump brittlestem on fallen logs or areas with significant woody debris.
Inspect buried dead branches or concealed wooden material, as common stump brittlestem may appear terrestrial but is wood-associated.
Preferentially explore damp and darker sections of woods, which are conducive to common stump brittlestem growth.
Remember to gently move aside leaf litter to uncover potential common stump brittlestem mushrooms on the forest floor.

How to Clean and Preserve Common stump 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 Common stump brittlestem

Gently clean common stump brittlestem by briefly tossing in a bowl of water, allowing dirt to settle, and then remove and pat dry. Avoid soaking to maintain common stump brittlestem's integrity.

Tips on Refrigeration Preservation of Common stump brittlestem

Refrigerating Methods

Paper Bag Storage, Perforated Plastic Bag Storage

Temperature

2 - 4 ℃

Refrigerating Humidity

85 - 95 %

Refrigerating Duration

3 - 7 days

Paper Bag Storage: Store in paper bags to allow airflow and reduce moisture accumulation, extending freshness.

Perforated Plastic Bag Storage: Use perforated plastic bags to balance humidity control and air circulation, preventing soggy mushrooms.