Cap |
There are two common varieties of this
species: the Common White Inocybe, Inocybe geophylla, and a
variety sometimes referred to as the Lilac Inocybe, Inocybe geophylla var. lilacina.
The smooth, silky cap has a diameter of 1.5 to 3.5 cm; initially
conical, it flattens as it matures, usually retaining a pointed
umbo and streaky radial fibres that in dry weather tend to tear into
strips towards the edge of the cap. Both the white and lilac varieties
fade to ochre-brown from the centre as the fruit body ages. |
Gills |
The crowded gills, which are notched or
adnexed, start off creamy-grey and later turn clay-brown as the spores
mature. |
Stipe |
3 to 6 mm in diameter and up to 6 cm tall,
the stipe is smooth and silky, sometimes slightly fibrillose towards the
base, and the same colour as the cap. The stipe also gradually turns
clay-brown with age. |
Spore print |
Dull brown. |
Odour/taste |
Slightly earthy or mealy smell. Reported to
have a mild taste (but please be aware that this is a deadly poisonous
fungus and so tasting any part of it is not advisable). |
Habitat |
Beside paths and on roadside verges beneath
deciduous trees and in mixed woodland; less frequently under conifers. |
Season |
Summer and autumn. |
Occurrence |
Very common. |
Similar species |
- The white variety, Inocybe geophylla, could be confused
with Agaricus
campestris, which is usually larger, has a stem ring and
does not have a silky cap.
- Amethyst Deceiver, Laccaria
amethystea has violet gills but is otherwise very similar in
appearance to Inocybe geophylla var. lilacina.
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