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Big sheath mushroom

Volvopluteus gloiocephalus

A species of Volvopluteus, Also known as Rose-gilled grisette

These large white mushrooms bloom all over cleared, harvested fields, as well as pastures and roadsides. The scientific species name comes from Greek words meaning “glue” (glioio) and “head” (cephalus), in reference to the sticky surface of this mushroom’s cap. The big sheath mushroom looks so similar to the poisonous Deathcap and Destroying Angel mushrooms that it should always be left alone.

Cap Diameter:

5 - 15 cm

Odor:

Mild, possibly slightly unpleasant.

General Info About Big sheath mushroom

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Attributes of Big sheath mushroom

Cap Diameter

5 - 15 cm

Height

10 - 20 cm

Cap

Cap 5 - 10 cm across; broadly bell-shaped; color variable;bald

Cap Shape

Convex, Bell-shaped, Flat, Central Bump

Cap Surfaces

Smooth, Slimy or slightly sticky

Gills

Free; close or nearly crowded; white to brownish

Gill Attachment

Free

Stem

Stem 6 - 13 cm long, 1 - 2 cm thick; tapered to apex, base slightly swollen; white, discoloring brownish; dry, bald

Stem Shapes

Cylindrical

Stem Surfaces

Smooth

Stem Cross Sections

Hollow or cottony hollow

Flesh

White; not changing when sliced

Volva

Cup-like; white

Ring

Ringless

Spore Print Color

Pinkish brown

Odor

Mild, possibly slightly unpleasant.

Body Color

Brown

Yellow

Gray

White

Flesh Bruises

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

Growth Form

Solitary, Scattered, Gregarious

Nutrient Gathering

Saprophytic

Substrate

On soil, Wood Chips or Mulch

You can find Big sheath mushroom by these plants:

Spruces, Pines

Occurence Habitats

Disturbed Lands, Meadows

Species Status

Widely distributed

Endangered Species

How to Identify Big sheath mushroom

Fruiting Body Cap Flesh

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Habitat of Big sheath mushroom

The big sheath mushroom appears in disturbed dirt in gardens, landscaping, ditches, fields, etc. Occasionally it also shows up in forests. It feeds on detritus like decomposing plant matter and dung.

Uses of Big sheath mushroom

Big sheath mushroom is an edible mushroom that can be utilized in culinary practices. Its collection value is moderate, appealing to foragers during its growing season. While not the most popular, it offers a unique flavor to dishes. Consumption should follow proper identification and preparation to ensure safety, as with any wild mushroom. It holds no significant medicinal use but serves as a natural food source when safely harvested.

Scientific Classification of Big sheath mushroom

Phylum

Club fungi

Class

Mushroom-forming fungi

Order

Gilled fungi

Family

Pluteaceae mushrooms

Genus

Volvopluteus

Toxicity and Edibility of Big sheath mushroom

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Edibility of Big sheath mushroom

Big sheath mushroom is an edible mushroom but has no district flavor or culinary qualities that make it desirable to consume. The texture is watery and the quality of the mushroom is often poor. Big sheath mushroom may be confused with mushrooms of the deadly genus Amanita.

Similar Species to Big sheath mushroom

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False parasol

Similar Species

Big sheath mushroom

Confusing Aspects of False parasol and Big sheath mushroom?

Due to similar large, white, umbrella-like appearances and overlapping habitats, Big sheath mushroom and False parasol are commonly misidentified.

How to Differentiate Between False parasol and Big sheath mushroom?

Big sheath mushroom: Pink spore print.

False parasol: Greenish spore print.

Big sheath mushroom: Has a volva at the base.

False parasol: No volva, but has a ring.

Death cap

Similar Species

Big sheath mushroom

Confusing Aspects of Death cap and Big sheath mushroom?

Due to similar large, white, umbrella-like appearances and overlapping habitats, Big sheath mushroom and Death cap are commonly misidentified.

How to Differentiate Between Death cap and Big sheath mushroom?

Big sheath mushroom: Possesses a sticky, glutinous cap when moist.

Death cap: Has a smooth, non-sticky cap even when wet.

Big sheath mushroom: Features free gills that do not attach to the stem.

Death cap: Has gills that are attached to the stem with a skirt-like ring.

Destroying angel

Similar Species

Big sheath mushroom

Confusing Aspects of Destroying angel and Big sheath mushroom?

Due to similar large, white, umbrella-like appearances and overlapping habitats, Big sheath mushroom and Destroying angel are commonly misidentified.

How to Differentiate Between Destroying angel and Big sheath mushroom?

Big sheath mushroom: Features a distinctively sticky or slimy cap when moist.

Destroying angel: Has a dry or slightly sticky cap.

Big sheath mushroom: The volva is typically sac-like and flaring at the base.

Destroying angel: The volva is usually a prominent, sack-like structure.

Big sheath mushroom: Produces a pinkish spore print.

Destroying angel: Yields a white spore print.

Tips for Finding Big sheath mushroom

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When is the Best Time to Find Big sheath mushroom

Search for big sheath mushroom in late spring to early fall when the weather is humid and after heavy rainfall, as they favor moist conditions. Cooler temperatures at night followed by warmer days increase your chances of finding them.

What are the Ideal Soil Conditions for Big sheath mushroom

Prefers nutrient-rich, disturbed soil.

What are Some Tips for Finding Big sheath mushroom

Check urban landscapes regularly such as gardens, parks and lawns, where soil is often disrupted.
Focus on areas where organic material like compost or wood chips have been used, as big sheath mushroom is drawn to such substrates.
Survey pastures or roadside grasslands where the soil is damp and rich in nutrients.
Look for big sheath mushroom in locations that receive regular human interference, like near compost piles and in cultivated fields.

How to Clean and Preserve Big sheath mushroom

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How to Clean Big sheath mushroom

To clean big sheath mushroom, first inspect for visible dirt. Use an extra-soft toothbrush or baby brush to gently remove dirt from the surface and crevices. Follow with a damp cloth for thoroughness.

Tips on Dry Preservation of Big sheath mushroom

Drying Methods

Dehydrator Drying, Oven Drying, Air Drying

Drying Duration

6 - 12 months

Optimal conditions: Low humidity, dark, cool place, well-ventilated, away from direct sunlight.

Dehydrator drying: Efficient for consistent removal of moisture, minimizing spoilage risk, optimal for high water content.

Oven drying: Controllable temperatures expedite water evaporation, useful for thicker mushrooms.

Air drying: Natural, gentle method, suited for fungi that dry well in low humidity conditions.

Tips on Freezing Preservation of Big sheath mushroom

Freezing Methods

Blanching Before Freezing

Freezing Duration

10 - 12 months

Blanching before freezing: Briefly submerge in boiling water, cool, dry, then freeze.

Tips on Refrigeration Preservation of Big sheath mushroom

Refrigerating Methods

Paper Bag Storage, Perforated Plastic Bag Storage, Cardboard Box Storage

Temperature

2 - 4 ℃

Refrigerating Humidity

90 - 95 %

Refrigerating Duration

5 - 7 days

Paper Bag Storage: Enhances air circulation, reducing moisture buildup and spoilage.

Perforated Plastic Bag Storage: Small holes allow airflow, mitigating condensation and decay.

Cardboard Box Storage: Absorbs excess moisture, maintaining dryness and texture.

Common Questions People Also Ask

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More Mushrooms That Are Similar to Big sheath mushroom

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