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Questionable stropharia

Stropharia ambigua

A species of Roundheads

The questionable stropharia is an odd-looking species that thrives in rich, wet soils along the western coast of North America. The species sports a shiny, yellow-brown cap with a white partial veil that looks almost as though it is dripping off the cap. "Questionable" is a fair title for this species, about which there are conflicting reports on edibility. Most experts recommend staying on the safe side and avoiding eating this mushroom.

Cap Diameter:

3 - 15 cm

Odor:

Generally non-distinctive, hints of radish and mealiness.

General Info About Questionable stropharia

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Attributes of Questionable stropharia

Cap Diameter

3 - 15 cm

Height

7 - 18 cm

Cap

Cap 3 - 14 cm; convex, nearly flat; yellow; slimy when fresh, bald

Cap Shape

Bell-shaped, Convex, Flat, Central Bump

Cap Surfaces

Smooth, Slimy or slightly sticky

Gills

Adnexed; close; whitish to purplish gray; with whitish edges when mature

Gill Attachment

Attached

Stem

Stem 6 - 16 cm long, 1 - 2 cm thick; equal; white; dry

Stem Shapes

Tapering

Stem Surfaces

Scaly

Flesh

White, unchanging when sliced

Ring

Fragile

Ring

With Ring

Spore Print Color

Dark purple-brown to blackish

Odor

Generally non-distinctive, hints of radish and mealiness.

Body Color

Brown

Yellow

Flesh Bruises

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

Growth Form

Solitary, Scattered, Gregarious

Nutrient Gathering

Saprophytic

Substrate

Wood Chips or Mulch, On soil

Occurence Habitats

Coniferous Woodland, Deciduous Woodland

Species Status

Least Concern

Endangered Species

How to Identify Questionable stropharia

Fruiting Body Cap Gills

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Habitat of Questionable stropharia

The questionable stropharia grows in forests, usually under conifers, although it sometimes appears around deciduous trees. It prefers humus-rich soil and damp, dark sites, feeding on detritus and often growing near woodland streams.

Uses of Questionable stropharia

Questionable stropharia is a culinary mushroom prized for its edibility, although not widely popular. Harvested primarily in specific seasons, questionable stropharia is occasionally featured in local dishes where it's found. Its collection value remains moderate due to limited recognition. While edible, enthusiasts should consume questionable stropharia with caution as improper identification can lead to confusion with toxic species. Always consult expert guidance before consumption.

Scientific Classification of Questionable stropharia

Phylum

Club fungi

Class

Mushroom-forming fungi

Order

Gilled fungi

Family

Hymenogastraceae

Genus

Roundheads

Similar Species to Questionable stropharia

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Conifer roundhead

Similar Species

Questionable stropharia

How to Differentiate Between Conifer roundhead and Questionable stropharia?

Questionable stropharia: Its cap margin has conspicuous white veil remnants.

Conifer roundhead: The cap typically lacks any significant veil remnants.

Questionable stropharia: Features a cap with a smooth, slightly slimy surface when fresh.

Conifer roundhead: Has a dry, rough-textured cap surface.

Gemmed amanita

Similar Species

Questionable stropharia

How to Differentiate Between Gemmed amanita and Questionable stropharia?

Questionable stropharia: Gills are purplish-brown with a whitish edge.

Gemmed amanita: Gills are white to yellowish without a distinctive colored edge.

Leratiomyces squamosus

Similar Species

Questionable stropharia

How to Differentiate Between Leratiomyces squamosus and Questionable stropharia?

Questionable stropharia: Presents with a smooth to slightly scaly cap.

Leratiomyces squamosus: Exhibits a prominently scaly cap.

Tips for Finding Questionable stropharia

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When is the Best Time to Find Questionable stropharia

Seek questionable stropharia in late spring to early summer, following periods of rain. Ideal conditions include warm, humid days that promote growth. Start searching a few days after a consistent rain spell.

What are the Ideal Soil Conditions for Questionable stropharia

Deep humus, woody debris laden.

What are Some Tips for Finding Questionable stropharia

Search around coniferous forest areas, particularly where fallen trees or branches accumulate.
Inspect wood-chip beds or areas with ample woody debris, as these can be favorable for questionable stropharia growth.
Look for questionable stropharia in damp, shaded areas that provide adequate moisture, such as near streams or in moist forest pockets.
Gently move aside forest litter to reveal potential questionable stropharia fruiting on or near the soil surface.
Be patient and observe the ground closely since questionable stropharia can often grow solitarily or somewhat hidden in its natural habitat.

How to Clean and Preserve Questionable stropharia

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How to Clean Questionable stropharia

To clean questionable stropharia, brush off any dirt gently with a soft brush. If necessary, briefly rinse under running water and immediately pat dry with a paper towel. Handle delicately to maintain their physical integrity, avoiding soaking to preserve their condition.

Tips on Dry Preservation of Questionable stropharia

Drying Methods

Dehydrator Drying, Oven Drying

Drying Duration

12 - 24 months

Store in airtight containers, cool, dark, low humidity, with desiccants for moisture control.

Dehydrator drying: Ensures even and rapid moisture removal, ideal for high water content.

Oven drying: Provides a constant, controlled source of low heat suitable for moderate drying.

Tips on Freezing Preservation of Questionable stropharia

Freezing Methods

Blanching Before Freezing

Freezing Duration

10 - 12 months

Blanching before freezing: Blanch for 1-2 minutes, cool rapidly, dry, freeze on a tray, then store in airtight containers.

Tips on Refrigeration Preservation of Questionable stropharia

Refrigerating Methods

Paper Bag Storage, Cardboard Box Storage, Container with Absorbent Lining

Temperature

2 - 4 ℃

Refrigerating Humidity

90 - 95 %

Refrigerating Duration

5 - 7 days

Paper Bag Storage: Store in paper bags to allow for air circulation and moisture absorption, reducing spoilage.

Cardboard Box Storage: Line a cardboard box with paper towels to provide a breathable environment that manages moisture.

Container with Absorbent Lining: Place mushrooms between layers of dry paper towels in an airtight container, exchanging towels as needed.

Common Questions People Also Ask

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Where does questionable stropharia grow?

How does questionable stropharia grow?

When does questionable stropharia appear?

More Mushrooms That Are Similar to Questionable stropharia

Dung roundhead

Protostropharia semiglobata

Leratiomyces percevalii