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Grey knight

Tricholoma terreum

A species of Tricholoma

The wide-capped grey knight mushroom grows in large groups, mainly on the floor of coniferous forests. Foraging them for food is not recommended, as they contain a toxin that can cause kidney damage with repeated ingestion. They are also extremely difficult to distinguish from other grey and grey-brown mushrooms that are more immediately poisonous.

Cap Diameter:

3 - 10 cm

Odor:

Mildly mushroomy but not distinctive.

General Info About Grey knight

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Attributes of Grey knight

Cap Diameter

3 - 10 cm

Height

3 - 6 cm

Cap

Cap 4 - 8 cm across; convex, broadly bell-shaped; gray, brown; dry, finely

Cap Shape

Convex, Bell-shaped, Flat, Central Bump

Cap Surfaces

Fibrillose-scaly

Gills

Attached to the stem by a notch; close; grayish

Gill Attachment

Notched

Stem

Stem 3 - 5 cm long, 1 - 1.5 cm thick; equal; whitish; bald, dry

Stem Shapes

Cylindrical

Stem Surfaces

Smooth

Stem Cross Sections

Hollow or cottony hollow

Flesh

White, unchanging when sliced

Ring

Ringless

Spore Print Color

White

Odor

Mildly mushroomy but not distinctive.

Body Color

Brown

Gray

White

Flesh Bruises

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

Growth Form

Scattered, Gregarious

Nutrient Gathering

Mycorrhizal

Substrate

On soil

You can find Grey knight by these plants:

Common douglas-fir, Pines, Spruces

Occurence Habitats

Coniferous Woodland

Species Status

More common and widespread

Endangered Species

How to Identify Grey knight

Fruiting Body Cap Gills

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Habitat of Grey knight

The grey knight is a widely distributed mushroom of coniferous forests, but it can be found in lawns or gardens where conifers are present. It prefers rich acidic or neutral soil. This fungus is always found near the roots of trees, where it exists in a symbiotic relationship in which the two species feed each other essential nutrients.

Hunting Values of Grey knight

Its edibility is disputed; used to be considered edible, but in recent years some people in certain regions (China) reported severe discomfort after eating.

Uses of Grey knight

Grey knight is a mushroom of debatable edibility often harvested for its unique taste. Its practical applications are primarily culinary, yet caution is advised due to potential risks associated with its consumption. It's not among the most popular edible mushrooms, and its collection value is limited by these concerns. Seasonal availability does influence its use; however, individuals seeking to include grey knight in their diet should consult expert guidance to avoid any adverse effects.

Scientific Classification of Grey knight

Phylum

Club fungi

Class

Mushroom-forming fungi

Order

Gilled fungi

Family

Pale-spore mushrooms

Genus

Tricholoma

Toxicity and Edibility of Grey knight

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Is Grey knight Toxic?

Grey knight may contain dangerous toxins. It's best to stay away from this mushroom.

Similar Species to Grey knight

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Ashen knight

Similar Species

Grey knight

How to Differentiate Between Ashen knight and Grey knight?

Grey knight: Cap texture is finely tomentose and has a soft, velvety feel.

Ashen knight: Cap surface is silkier and lacks a velvety texture.

Beech knight

Similar Species

Grey knight

How to Differentiate Between Beech knight and Grey knight?

Grey knight: Cap has a fine, velvety texture.

Beech knight: Cap is noticeably more smooth.

Blushing tricholoma

Similar Species

Grey knight

How to Differentiate Between Blushing tricholoma and Grey knight?

Grey knight: Cap surface feels silky or fibrillose.

Blushing tricholoma: Cap surface exhibits a more distinctly scaly texture.

Grey knight: Cap often stays uniform in color when pressed.

Blushing tricholoma: Cap may show reddish tones when pressed.

Tips for Finding Grey knight

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When is the Best Time to Find Grey knight

Search for grey knight during the cooler months of fall after rain, when the soil is moist but not waterlogged. Perfect conditions often follow a period of steady, mild temperatures.

What are the Ideal Soil Conditions for Grey knight

Prefers rich, often calcareous soils.

What are Some Tips for Finding Grey knight

Look for wooded areas with a high presence of coniferous trees, as grey knight has a symbiotic relationship with these types of trees.
Search around the base of conifers, as grey knight is frequently found growing alone or in small groups in these locations.
Check for soil that appears rich and may contain limestone or other calcareous elements, as grey knight grows well in such conditions.
Focus on areas that are well forested rather than open fields or heavily disrupted soils, as natural forest soil presents ideal growing conditions.

How to Clean and Preserve Grey knight

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How to Clean Grey knight

To clean grey knight, gently brush off any debris with a soft brush. Avoid soaking as it may absorb moisture. For stubborn dirt, lightly dampen a cloth and wipe the surface. Prioritize minimal contact to maintain integrity.

Tips on Dry Preservation of Grey knight

Drying Methods

Dehydrator Drying, Oven Drying, Air Drying

Drying Duration

12 - 24 months

Store in a cool, dry place with low humidity and away from direct sunlight to prevent spoilage.

Dehydrator drying: Effective for high water content species, ensures even and consistent drying within hours.

Oven drying: Useful when quicker dehydration is needed, temperature control prevents over-drying.

Air drying: Suitable for less humid climates, allows gradual moisture removal without special equipment.

Tips on Freezing Preservation of Grey knight

Freezing Methods

Blanching Before Freezing

Freezing Duration

10 - 12 months

Blanching before freezing: Brief heating to inactivate enzymes, then cooled and dried before freezing.

Tips on Refrigeration Preservation of Grey knight

Refrigerating Methods

Paper Bag Storage, Perforated Plastic Bag Storage, Container with Absorbent Lining, Original Packaging Storage

Temperature

2 - 4 ℃

Refrigerating Humidity

90 - 95 %

Refrigerating Duration

5 - 7 days

Paper Bag Storage: Allows moisture to escape, reducing spoilage while keeping mushrooms dry yet ventilated.

Perforated Plastic Bag Storage: Small holes in the plastic bag provide airflow, balancing moisture levels and minimizing spoilage.

Container with Absorbent Lining: Alternating mushrooms with a paper towel in an airtight container absorbs excess moisture.

Original Packaging Storage: If sold in breathable containers, retain original packaging to maintain ideal moisture levels tailored by suppliers.

Common Questions People Also Ask

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