Tricholoma scoides

Tricholoma scoides

Taxonomy

Phylum: Basidiomycota

Class: Agaricomycetes

Order: Agaricales

Family: Tricholomataceae

An uncommon find under broad-leaf trees, almost invariably on calcareous soil, Tricholoma scoides often has reddish or lilaceous tints, which are a help in identification; however, there are several other greyish-capped lookalikes in the genus Tricholoma and separating them with confidence is difficult.

This inedible mushroom appears in autumn, often in small groups beneath mature beech and oak trees.

Identification Guide

Cap of Tricholoma scoides

Cap

Up to 12cm in diameter when fully mature, the caps are usually grey, darker in the centre and with radial lines.

Initially convex, the caps flatten, sometimes with a slight umbo.

Gills of Tricholoma scoides

Gills

Moderately well spaced apart, the sinuate gills are white with tiny dark flecks on their edges.

Stem

Typically 10 to 20mm in diameter and 4 to 8cm long,broadening slightly towards the base, the stem is off-white and has longitudinal grey fibrils, most noticeable in its central region.

Spore print

White.

Odour/taste

No noticeable odour.

Habitat

Broad-leaf woodland, mainly with Beech and oaks.

Season

July to October.

Occurrence

Uncommon.

Similar species

Tricholoma terreum is similar in appearance but occurs mainly in coniferous woodland.