Added on 31/12/2011Fungi

Pholiota squarrosa


Common Name(s): Shaggy Pholiota



The fruiting bodies of this fungus take the form of traditional toadstools growing in dense clumps normally at the base of trees (broad leafed trees and occasionally conifers). The following picture shows the fungus at the base of a White Poplar tree.



The colour of the cap is yellow/golden brown which darkens towards its centre. It is covered with numerous scales arranged in concentric rings; the tip of each scale is upturned (see picture below). The scales may 'hang' from the edge of the cap (especially when forming).



The stalk is also covered with scales but not above the point where the cap edge would of attached to the stalk. This area is yellow and smooth (see top picture). No prominent ring remains on the stalk (except for a few markings) which helps identify this fungus from the similar looking Honey Fungus. The stalk is firmly attached to the cap and requires a good tug to break it.

Another identification feature is the inrolled cap margin (see below).

The spore print of the following cap (which formed very quickly) was rusty/dark-brown. The spores are microscopic, and appear as a dust (when compared to the larger Ganoderma spores).



Pictures by Chris Skellern.

Beech tree in New Forest, Hants.









Please Note: Many Fungi are toxic and individual reactions to them vary widely. Do not touch or eat fungi unless you have accurately identified them. The AIE can not accept any legal responsibility or liability for errors in identification or for individual reactions to the consumption of fungi.