Gymnopus dryophila - Russet Toughshank

Taxonomy

Phylum: Basidiomycota

Class: Agaricomycetes

Order: Agaricales

Russet Toughshanks occur in both deciduous broadleaf woods and conifer plantations, but most commonly under oak trees.

Note: The synonym Collybia dryophila currently (summer 2011) appears in formal checklists, but when the lists are next revised it is almost certain that this very common woodland mushroom will be listed in the genus Gymnopus. along with several other former members of the same genus.

Identification Guide

Cap	2 to 5cm across; convex, flattening often with a wavy margin; pale buff to light tan, paler at the margin.
Gills	Adnexed or free; very light beige or pale buff.
Stem	2 to 5cm long and 2 to 5mm dia.; tough and fibrous; surface silky; swollen towards base; tan, darker towards base; base covered in pale bristly hairs; no ring.
Spore print	White.
Odour/taste	Not distinctive.
Habitat	In all kinds of woodland but most commonly under oaks.
Season	June to October.
Occurrence	Very common.
Similar species	Several other less common 'toughshanks' have pale tan-to-buff caps including the Redleg Toughshank, Gymnopus erythropus (syn: Collybia erythropus).