Crepidotus epibyrusCrepidotus epibyrus, showing the widely-spaced gills

Taxonomy

Phylum: Basidiomycota

Class: Agaricomycetes

Order: Agaricales

Family: Inocybaceae

Even smaller than the Variable Oysterling, this pretty little mushroom is widespread and very common in woodlands, particularly where bracken encroaches from the edges of forestry tracks.

Growing on deciduous hardwood twigs and occasionally on dead leaves, this is also a very common find on the dead stems of bracken and other herbaceous plants in woodlands.

Identification guide

Cap of Crepidotus epibyrus

Cap

0.4 to 1.5cm across, convex kidney-shaped fan flattening somewhat but retaining an inrolled margin; upper surface white or pale buff and finely felted; laterally attached or attached by its ‘back’ to the substrate.

Gills

 

Crowded; white becoming pinkish brown, radiating from point of attachment.

Stem

Usually there is no visible stipe, as the attachment to the substrate is near the centre of the cap on its infertile (nominally 'upper') surface..

Spore print

Pale ochre.

Odour/taste

Not distinctive.

Habitat

On twigs and on the stems of dead bracken.

Season

Late summer and autumn.

Occurrence

Common in most parts of Britain and Ireland.

Similar species

Crepidotus variabilis is typically larger, does not have an inrolled margin, and has a smoother cap surface.