mmmj mmim lup^f^fffr UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF AGRiCULTURE CIRCULAR No. 143 Washington, D. C. Issued March 1931 Slightly revised August 1946 SOME COMMON MUSHROOMS AND HOW TO KNOW THEM By VERA K. CHARLES Associate Pathologist Office of Mycology and Disease Survey Bureau of Plant Industry For sale by the Superintendent of Documents, U. S. CJoverninent Printing Office, Washington 25, D. C. Price 20 cents A From the collection of the I z m V 3lin Jj 0 Preiinger library p 4 San Francisco, California 2008 -u^nTOtm QOCUMEVfS Dtmmio CIRCULAR NO. 143 Issued March 1931 \ Slightly revised August 1946 UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE WASHINGTON. D. C. SOME COMMON MUSHROOMS AND HOW TO KNOW THEM^ By Veka K. Charles, Associate ratholofjist. Office of Mijcology and Disease Survey, Bureau of Plant Industry CONTENTS Pa.iie Intro(l,uction 1 Danjrer from p()i^^rs. AMANITA The most" poisonous fungi belong to the gemis Amanita. Al- though it contains some edible species, the surest way to avoid danger is to let all species of the genus alone. A fungus of this kind may be recognized among the white-spored agarics by the presence of a volva and a veil. Young plants are completely in- closed by the volva, and the manner in which it breaks away varies according to the species. A part of the volva may remain on the top of the cap, around its margin as scales, or as a broken cup at the base of the stem. AMANITA PHALXOIDES. DEATH CUP. (POISONOUS) (Fig. 3) In the death cup the color of the cap ranges from white or lemon to olive or brownish. It is broadly bell-shaped or oval and finally expanded, smooth or with patches of scales. In moist weather it is very sticky. The gills are free and white and the stem mostly smooth and bulbous, surrounded by the large cui)-shaped volva. The ring is large, white, and reflexed. The death cup is the most dangerous of all nnislirooms. It is widely dis- tributed and of very common occurrence and may be found growing in woods or cultivated land from spring until late autumn. SOME COMMON MUSHROOMS AND nOW TO KNOW THEM AMANITA MUSC'AKIA. KLY AGAUIC (I'OISONOVS) In the lly Mpiric \\\c color of the cap raii.iies rroiii .vol low to oranj^e or blood red, and the i-ciiinants of the volva reniaiii as wliitLsh scales on the cap. The veil persists as a large, torn ring about the upper part of the stem, which is white and enlarged at the base and usually marked by scaly ridges or inccmi- plete rings. This species may be found during the sununer and fall, occurring singly or in small associations or in patches of considerable size. It grows in cidtivati'd soil, on partially cleared land, and in woods or on roadsides. It does not demand a rich soil, but rather exhibits a pref- erence for poor ground. The color is an exceedingly variable charac- ter, the plants being brighter colored when young and fading as they mature. A very pale-colored variety is often found in the late autunm. This is a very poisonous species and is responsible for many deaths and numerous cases of severe poisoning. While its chief poison- ous principle is muscarine, a second poisonous principle is believed to be present. [iiiiiiiild. phalloidc Il'UlS) FlGUKK 4. — Ainunitu miiscuria. (Poisonous) 8 CmCULAR 14 3, U. S. DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE AMANITA CAESAKEA. CAESAK's MUSHROOM (Fig. 5) In tliis species the cap is hemispherical, Kmoctli, and with a conspicuous striate margin. It is reddish or orange in color, later becoming yellow. Tlie gills are free and yellow ; the stem is yellow, cylindrical, only slightly enlarged at the base, attenuated upward, scaly below the annulus, and smuotli above; tlie ring is yellow, large, membranaceous, and hangs like a collar from the upper l)art of the stem; and the volva is saclike and conspicuous, white as contrasted with tlie yellow of the stem. This species is variously known as Caesar's agaric, royal agaric, orange Amanita, etc. It has been highly esteemed as an article of diet since the time of tlie early Greeks. It is particularly abundant during rainy weather and may occur solitary, several together, or in definite rings. Although Amanita caemrea is edible, great caution should always l)e used in onler not to confuse it with poison- ous Amanitas. AMANITA STROBILIFORMIS. Fill - CONE AMANITA (Pig. 6) In this species the cap is convex or nearly plane, white or sometimes slightly cinereous on the disk, and covered with large, angular, pyramidal warts; the mar- gin extends slightly beyond the gills and sometimes bears fragments of the ring, which is large and torn; the gills are broad and white ; the stem is thick and white, floccose scal.y, and the bulb very large with concentric-marginate ridges and furrows and abruptly pointed below. This sjiecies is to be found in woods in midsummer and early fall and occurs solitary or. two or three together. It is conspicuous because of its startling white color, the size of the cap, which varies from 4 to 10 inches, and the length of the stem, which ranges from 3 to 8 inches and terminates in a large bulb. This plant is not to be recognized as an edible species. Figure 5. — Amanita cacsarea AMANITOPSIS The genus Amanitopsis has white spores and a volva like Aminita but differs from it in the absence of a veil or a ring. The volva is large and persistent and at lirst completely envelops the young plant. As the latter matures it bursts through the volva, particles of Avhich are carried up on the pileus in the form of delicate scales or flakes, which, however, are soon brushed off, leaving the pileus smooth. SOME COMMOX MUSHROOMS AND HOW TO KNOW THEM 9 Great care niiist be exercised to distin^uisli species of Amanitopsis from those of Ainaiiitu from which the riii^ has disappeared. AMANITOP.SIS VAGINATA. SHEATHED AMANITOPSIS (I'ig. 7} In this species the cap is thin and fragile, ovate to bell-shaped, sometimes nmbonat(>, gray, mouse colored, or brown, smooth, shininj;. margin striate; the gills are white, broad, free; the stem is slender, fragile, smooth, or mealy, not bulbous; tlie volva is sheathing, white, easily separable from Ihe stem, often remaining in the ground. KieiniK 0. — Amanitii .slrobilifuriiiis This is a very common and widely distributed species both in America and in Europe and is subject to great variation in size, color, and habitat. It may be found in woods, shaded situations, lawns, and sometimes on decaying wood. LEPIOTA The genus Lepiota may be distinoaiished from Amanita and Amanitopsis by the presence of a rinir and the absence of a volva. The cap is generally scaly or ering root. Armillaria mellea var. albida, with wliite or whitish cai). Fkuke 1: Ariiiilldria iitcllca. (Edible) SOIME COMMOX MrsiIItOOMS AND IU)\V TO KXO\V THEM 15 AKMII.I.AKIA VKNTIUC'OSA (Fig. 13 > In this specips the cap is fleshy, foiivpx or nearly plane, smooth, shining white, niiirsjin thin and involute: the flesh is whitish; the ^'ills are narrow mid cli'se. deeiirrent. sometimes dentiite or deiitirnlate on tlie rdire. whilisli; the Figure 13. — Armillaria ventricosa : A, Young specimen; B, mature specimen stem is thick and short, ventricose, abruptly pointed at the base; the ring Is conspicuous, lacerutent. thick, narrow, branching or irregularly con- nected, same color as cap: the stem is short, solid, expanding into a cap of the same color. This is the famous chanterelle and has long been considered one of the best edible mushrooms. Ordinarily an agreeable odor of apricots may be observed, especially in the dried plants of this species. The chanterelle is of wide geo- 7044«S° — 46 3 18 CmCULAE 14 3, U. S. DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTUEE graphic distribution botli in the United States and in Eui'ope. It is a common summer species and may be found in grassy places, open or coniferous woods, gregarious or subcespitose. CANTHAKBXLUS AUBANTIACUS. FALSE CHANTEKEXLE. (SUSPECTED) (Fig. 16) In the false chanterelle the cap is fleshy, soft and somewhat silky, and dull orange to brownish ; the shape is variable, convex, plane, or infundibuliform, the margin inroUed when young, later wavy or lobed ; the flesh is yellowish ; the gills are thin, decurrent, regularly forked and dark orange; the stem is spongy, fibrous, colored like the cap and larger at the base than at the top. The use of this species for food is not to be recommended. FiGL-KE 17. ClitOCyhr „n,ltir< I's. (IJlililn CLITOCYBE The white-spored genus Clitocybe contains many species, some of which possess definite generic characters that render identification easy, while others are extremely difficult to recognize. The cap is generally fleshy, later in some species concave to infundibuliform. thinner at the margin, which is involute. The gills are adnate or decurrent. The stem is externally fibrous, tough, not readily sep- arable from the flesh of the cap. The gills are never truly sinuate, a character separating Clitocybe from Tricholoma, with which it agrees in having a fibrous stem. CLITOCYBE MONADELPHA. (EDIBLE) In this species the cap is fleshy, convex, then depressed, at first smooth, later scaly, honey colored to pallid brownish or reddish ; the gills are short, decur- rent, flesh colored ; the stem is elongated, twisted, crooked, fibrous, tapering at the base, pallid brownish. This species bears a resemblance to Armillaria mrllva but may he distin- gui.shed from it by the absence of a ring and by the decurrent gills. The plants are edible, but they soon become water-soaked and uninviting. They grow in large clusters in grass or about roots or stumps and are to be found from spring until late fall. SOME COMMON MUSHROOMS AND HOW TO KNOW THEM 19 CI.ITOrYHK MlLTICraVS. M A.N V-UKADKI) (I.ITOCYIiK. (EDIBLE) (KiK. 17) In this species tlu> cap is convex, fleshy, firm, thin except on the disk, sliu'htly moLst in wot weather, whitish, grayish, or yellowish ^'ray, in yonni? plants sometimes (piiti' brown ; the flesh is white, taste mild; the irills are white, close, adnate or somewhat decurrent ; the stem is equal or little thickened, solid or stuffed, elastic. Arm. somewhat pruinose at the apex. The cap is 1 to 3 inches broad; the stem is 2 to 4 inches long. This sjiocies is subject to great variation in size, color, shape of gills, texture, and taste. Sometimes the gills are very slightly sinuate, reminding one of the genus Tricholoma. Clifocjilie miilticcps appears abundantly in the spring and autumn, growing in dense clusters often hidden by the grass or stubble. It is edible and by many consi(lereout Chri.stmas. It is to be found in pine woods, where it forms irregular or incomplete fairy rings. The plants exert considerable force in i)ushing their way out of the ground through the dense mat of needles, wliich often adheres so closely to the caps that slight elevations are the only indica- tions of the presence of the mushrooms. Trlcholoma eqiiestre is a- very excellent e coiimioiily in tlic lali' siiinnicr aiui fall niontlis jiiowiii^' on tlie ground in woods and open places. This is one ol" tile most acceptable edible species. TriihoUitmi ixr.soiiatKiii and T. inidiiin are often confusing fo the amateur, but may be distinjiuished from each otlier by the fact that in 7'. nuditm the marjiin of the cap is naked and is thinner llian in T. /xrifimatitni. Also T. iiuduDt is more slender than 7'. inrs<»i(tftiui and has deeper coloi'ation on the cap and gills. TRIGHOI.OMA RUSSULA. RED TRICUOLOM.V. (KDIBLE) In Tricholonia nissuhi the cap is convex, later plane, and sometimes de- l>ressed; disk si'-'iiular, viscid in damp weather, red or flesh-colored, becoming li.uliter at the mart;in. which is involute and in y- «. • ^H ^^^^1 Rr^^^^^^^l K ■ 1 IH t'lliL UK -TricltotoiiKi IX rsuiKitiuii. (Edible) This species is to be found in mixed woods and on hilly slopes from August until after frost. It may occur solitary, Imt often is found in patches. It is edible and reported of flne flavor. There is frequently a sharp line of demarcation that appears like a well- defined encircling ridge between the gills and the upper part of the stem. COLLYBIA In the treniis Collybia the volva and the veil are both absent. The marfrin of the cap is at first invohite and the gills adnate, adnexed, and never decurrent; the stem is of different substance from the cajD, fibrous or fistulose, cartilaginous or with a cartilaginous bark. COLLYHIA RADICATA. ROOTED COLLYBIA. (Fig. 23) (EDIBLE) In the rooted Collybia the cap is convex to nearly plane, distinctly umbonate, often wrinkled, esp«'cially near the umbo, grayish brown or almost white, glutinous when moist, margin incurved when young, sometimes ui)tnrned when mature; the flesh is thin, white; tlie gills are white, broad, ventricosc, dis- 24 CIRCULAR 14 3, U. S. DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE tant, adnexed, sometimes notched behind; the stem is smooth, striate, t,^ r o o V e d or mealy, straight, slightly twisted, same color as the cap, hut generally paler, slightly tapering upward, and with a long, rooting base. The cap is IV2 to 3 inches liroad ; the stem is 4 to S inches long and 3 to 5 lines thick. The rooted Collybia may be found in woods or on shaded grassy places, either singly or in groups. The " root " may often be found at- tached to well-decayed roots of trees beneath the surface of the ground. It is readily recognized by the dis- tinctive character of the gills and by the taper- ing pointed root which often greatly exceeds the stem in length. It has always been reported as edible. collybi.v velutipes. vel- vi':t-stemmed collybia. (EDIBLE) (Fig. 24) In thisi species the cap is convex, soon plane, sometimes irregular and excentric, smooth, viscid, tawny yellow, with margin probably lighter than the disk; the flesh is thick in the center, thin at the margin, soft, watery, white or yellowish; the gills are broad, rather distant, unequal, tawny or light Figure 23. — Collybia radicatn. (Edible) Figure 2i.—UoUi/bia vvlutiin-s. (Ediblf.) (I<>om C. G. Lloyd) SOME COMMON MUSHROOMS AND UOW TO KNOW THEM 25 j-oUow. rouiuU'd hdiiiul :uul slijjlill.v iuliicxi'd ; tin' stem is t.Miuli. cMrl il!i;:iii<;us, densely vi'lvety-villoso. deep umber becoming: bbick. e(iu:il or slif^htly enlarged at base, bollow or stuffed. The c-ap is i to a inches hrojid; the stem is 1 to 3 inches long and 2 to 4 lines thiek. , , .„ The velvet-stemmed Collybia is readily recognized by its dark villose stem and vLscid cap. wliich in wet weather may even aiiiie.tr t<» have a thick, glu- tinous coat. It grows on ground that contains decaying wood, on stumps, or even on living trees, wliere tlie mycelium may have gained entrance through a wound. In such instances it assumes a semiparasitic habit, and consider- able injury to the tree may result. Although ColUjhiit vdutipen is reported as occurring in every month of the year, it is especially a cold-weather species. MYCENA In the Snfc ^S Hi^ ^ 1^ *■ '- -i '^a Vp^^^^fifl "ft^^^g^l w B b BK^ J g ^I^H li^^^P |i K F^f j^^PR 3 1 ^^^H ^ m Wp- H ^1 i^^^^^i Figure 25. — Mycena (jaUrkulata. (Edible.) (From G. F. Atkinson) The plants are small, brittle, and often possess a strong alkaline odor or an odor of radishes, which, however, frequently disappears in drying. As the odor is not permanent, the collector should promptly note the character when the specimens are fresh. The genera Collybia and JSIycena are closely related but may be distinguished by the fact that in Collybia in the young condition the margin of the cap is inrolled while in Mycena it is straight and lies against the stem. In addition, in species of Mycena the cap is generally bell-shai)ed. and the stem is remarkably brittle and if broken quickly can be heard to snap. JIYCEXA GALEiaCVLATA. (EDIBLE) (Fig. 25) In this species the cap is conical, bell-shaped, umbonate when evjianded, dry and smooth, brownish gray, striate to the umbo; the gills are white to llesh- colored, adnate, slightly decurrent, rather distant, unequal, connected by veins: the stem hollow, rigid. ]tolished. villose at base. The cap is three-fourths to ly^ inches broad ; the stem is 1 to 3 inches long and 2 lines thick. 7044<>N 4»>- 4 26 CIRCULAR 14 3, U. S. DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE This is an extremely variable species. Authors sometimes recognize three varieties, longipes, e-rpansus, and calopus. The variety lotigipe-s is distinguishetl by the extreme length of the stem, expansus by the breadth and expansion of its cap, and calopus, the most attractive variety, by the chestnut-colored stem. The plants are common and abundant, generally growing in large clusters united by the downy hairs of tlie base of the stems. They are to be found on rotten logs or old stumps of various kinds of trees from ]March to November. I>otli caps and stems of young i^lants are reported edible and as possessing a delicate flavor. LACTARIUS The distingiiishino; feature of the genus Lactarius is the presence of a white or colored milk, especially abundant in the gills. The entire plant is brittle and inclined to rigidity. The fleshy cap is more or less depressed and frequently marked with concentric zones. The gills are often somewhat decurrent, but in certain species are adnate or adnexed, unequal in length, and often forked. The stem is stout, rigid, central, or slightly excentric. Species of this genus are generally terrestrial, often of very large size, and occur in considerable number in open woods or thickets. Figure 26. — Lactarius indigo. (Edible) LACTARIUS DELICIOSUS. DELICIOUS LVCTAKIUS. (P:DIBLE) In this species the cap is convex Init depressed in the center when quite youns. finally funnel shaped, smooth, slightly viscid, deep orange, yellowish or grayish orange, generally zoned, margin naked, at first involute, unfolding as the plant becomes infundibuliform ; the flesh is soft, pallid; the gills are crowded, narrow, often branched, yellowish orange ; the stem Is equal or attenuated at the base, stuffed, then hollow, of the same color as the cap except that it is paler and sometimes has dark spots. The cap is 2 to 5 inches broad ; the stem is 1 to 2 inches long and 1 inch thick. This fungus is distinctive on account of Its orange color and the concentric zones of light and dark orange on the cap and because of its saffron red or orange milk. A peculiarity of the plant is that it turns green upon bruising and in age changes from the original color to greenish. It is widely distribute:eniis Riissiila is similar to Lactarius in form, brittleness, and oencral ai)|)earance, but dillers in tlie, absence of milk. The species are very abundant in the summer, extending into the fall mouths. Many s})ecies are regarded as edible, but several are known to be ])oisonous; therefore it is advisable to abstain from eating any members of this genus. BUSSITLA EMETICA. EMETIC BUSStTLA. (POISONOUS) In this species the cap is oval to bell-shaped, becoming flattened or depressed, smooth, shining, rosy to dark red when old, fading to tawny, sometimes be- coming yellow, margin finally furrowed and tuberculate; the flesh is white, . _ -^ — /^"^"■^.^^ -'^^ii^iteH wmf^^ FiouRE 27. — Russula virescen^. (Edible) but red In tlie genus Marasmius the plants are dry, thin, tough, and membranaceous. They are characterized by their habit of shriveling and drying up in dry weather and reviving in wet weather. The gills are dry, almost membranaceous, often narrow, distant, and connected by veins. The stem is cartilaginous or horny and continu- ous with the cap. Marasmius is closely related to Collybia. Lentinus. and Panus. Certain species have been described as belonging to Collybia and are SOME COMMON MUSHROOMS ANI) HOW TO KNOW THEM 29 especially difficult of identification. The majority of the species of Maiasniiiis liave a central stem, while the stem in Lentiniis and I'anus is variable, being central, excenti'ic, lateral, or absent. Maras- niius sj)ecies are also much smaller than those of the other genera mentioned. Species of Marasmius are found growing on the ground, wood, or rotting leaves. Several species are known to cause disease in econo- mic plants such as sugarcane, banana, and cacao. MAKASMIUS 0REUDE8. FAIKY-KING FUNGUS. (EDIBLE) (Fig. 28) In tlie fiiiry-rinir imisliroom tlio cap is convex, then piano and sliglitly um- bonate, tonsil, smooth, brownish l)uff. hitor crcani-colorcd, niai^in wlicn moist may be striate; the gills are broad, free, distant, unequal, creamy white; the stem i.s tough, solid, equal, villose in the upper part, smooth at the base. FkjL'ke 28. — ildramiiius orcudis. (Kclible) The cap is 1 to 2 inches broad ; the stem is 2 to 3 inches long and II/2 lines thick. IMany allusions in literature undoubtedly refer to this interesting little mush- room and many fairy stories have happy associatiim with it. Its frequent occurrence's on grassy ])laces, as lawns, pastures, and golf courses, insures it.s wide acciuaintanee. It is to be found from early spring until autumn. This is a popular e(lil)le species and if once learned siiould always be recogniz(>d. It may be preserved for winter use by drying, and it is also well adapted for pickling. MARASMIUS ROTULA. THE' COLLARED MUSHROOM In this species the cap is white or pale yellowish and dark( r at the disk, papery, ileeply furrowed, smooth, unibilicate; margin crenate; the gills are the color of the cap, distant, attached to a collar which surrounds the stem; the stem is threadlike, smooth, shining, hollow, blackish. The cap is one-fonrth or one-half inch broad ; the stem is 1 to l^A inches long. This species is connnonly found on leaves and twigs in forests." The siiecies can be at once recognized by the gills being attached to u collar free fl-oni the stem. LENTINUS In the genus Lentinus the plants are tough, leathery, corky, becom- ing hard and almost woody when old. The cap is generally irregular 30 CIRCULAR 14 3, U. S. DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE in form, usually depressed, often scaly or velvety. The gills are slightly or deeply decurrent, unequal, thin with margin notched or serrate. In some species the stem is present and is central, excentric, or lateral; in other species it is absent. The plants are to be found on stumps or logs or rotting lumber. LENTINUS LEPIDEUS. SCALY LENTINUS (Fig. 29) 111 the scaly Lentinus the cap is at first convex, later becoming more or less flattened, tan to yellow with coarse, brown, irreRular. coneentric scales, often FiGUKE li'J. — Lentinus h'lJidcus. (From F. Clements) areolate; gills are clecnrrent, sinuate, white; when young covered by a veil: stem is central or excentric, whitish, mostly scaly, short, thick, hard, equal, or tapering at the b;ise. The cap is 2 to 4 inches broad ; the stem is about 1 inch long. This is a common untidy-looking species, growing on old stumps and rail- road ties, in which it proihues a serious decay. It is consitlered edible but is of doubtful flavor, and it soon becomes tough. LENTINUS LECOMTEI. HAIRY LENTINUS In this species the cap is funnel-shaped, regular or irregular with inrolled margin, tawiiv or reddish brown, tough, villose-velvety ; the gills are i)allid, narrow, and crowded, decurrent, the edges nearly entire; the stem is central, excentric, or hiteral, hairy when young. The cap is IV2 to 3Mj inches broad; the stem is usually short. This is a very coninum and widely distributed species. It is to l)e found in clumps on old .stumps, logs, and dead branches from spring to autumn, although it persists throughout the winter. SOME COMMON MUSHROOMS AND IIOW TO KNOW THEM 31 PANUS PANUS STi'PTICl'8. BITTEai PANUS. (POISONOUS) This little siXH-ics nuahl hv t;ilitMi for I.entinus Iteciiuse nf its s<'ii«'nil ap- peiirance iiiul tluuMc-tor ; l»y certain aulliors it lias been eonsidercd as lielnnying to that ^'eiius. However, in typical Lentinus species the gills are serrate, while in Tanus tlicy are entire. The cap is pale cinnamon to light tan, kidney-shaped, scurfy, tough; the gills are thin, narrow, crowded, connected by veins; the stem is short, lateral, as- cending, and pruinose. The cap is one-half to 1 inch broad. This is a very common siK'cies and is to be found in clusters on .stumps. The phosi)horescence of rotten stumps is often due to its presence. It is shriv- eled and inconspicuous in dry weather, reviving in wet weather. Pamis sti/pticuif is extremely astringent, producing a very uncomfortable condition of the mouth and throat. It is furthermore considered poisonous. CLAUDOPUS The genus Claudopus belon to 6 inches long. This species occurs in many localities from the last of June until frost, growing on trunks of trees and stumps. It is conspicuous because of the large clusters and prominent scales on both cap and stem. The fungus is good when young, raw or cooked, and by some authorities Is considered excellent. CORTINARIUS The genus Cortinarius is easily recognized when young among the ocher-spored agarics by the powdery gills and by the cobwel)by veil, which is separable from the cuticle of the cap. In mature plants the remains of the veil may often be observed adhering to the margin of the cap and forming a silky zone on the stem. Corti- narius contains many forms which are difficult of specific determina- tion. Many species are edible, some indifferent or unpleasant, and others positively injurious. The best advice to the amateur is to abstain from eating species of this genus. The colors are generally conspicuous and often very beautiful. Most of the species occur in the autumn. CORTINARIUS CINNAMOMEUS. (EDIBLE) In this species the cap is i-ather thin, conic campnnulate, when expanded almost plane, but sometimes unboiiate, yellow to bright cinnamon colored, with perhaps red stains, smooth, silky from innate, yellowish tibrils, sometimes con- centric rows of scales near the margin ; the flesh is yellowish ; the gills are yellow, tawny, or red, adnate, slightly sinuate and decurrent by a tooth, crowded, thin, liroad ; the stem is equal, stuft'ed then hollow, yellowish, fihrillose. The cap is 1 to 2i^ inches broad ; the stem is 2 to 4 inches long and 3 to 4 lines thick. This is a very common and widely distributed species, particularly abundant in mossy coniferous woods from summer until fall. The color of the gills is an extremely variable character, ranging from brown or cinnamon to blood red. A form possessing gills of the latter color is known as Cortinarius cin^ namomeus var. seniisfinyuincus. This species and variety are edible and con- sidered extremely good, but great care should be exercised in determining the species. CORTINARIUS LILACINUS. (Ba)IBLE) (Fig. 32) In this species the cap is firm, hemispherical, then convex, minutely silky, lilac colored; the gills are close, violaceous changing to cinnamon; the stem is solid, stout, distinctly bulbous, silky fibrillose, whitish with a lilac tinge. The cap is 2 to 3 inches broad ; the stem is 2 to 4 inches long. This is a comparatively rare but very beautiful mushroom and an excellent sdible species. It is to be found in mossy or swampy places. NAUCORIA Another genus belonging to the ocher-spored agarics is Naucoria. In this genus the volva and veil are both absent, the cap is more or less fleshy, at first conical or convex with involute margin, and the gills are free or adnate but never decurrent. SOME COMMOX MUSHROOMS AND HOW TO KNOW THEM 35 NAUCOIUA SKM1UUUICLL.VKIS. (KUIULE) In this spocios tlu' cap is hemispherical, convex to expanded, snincttli, even, slightly viscid when moist, corrugated or cracked when dry and old, tawny, rust colored; the gills are adnate, souictinu's notched, crowded, pale, then rust colored; the stem is tough, slender, straight, e(iual, smooth, hollow, with a free tihrous tube, pale reihUsh brown, darker at the base. The cap is 1 to 2 inches l)road ; the stem is 'A to 4 inches long. This is tine of the m()st common and widely distribntcd species. It is among the tirst to appear in the spring and continues until autumn, being particularly abundant in wet weather. It is edible, easily cooked, and of fair flavor. FiuuKE 32. — Cortinariun lihicinua. (Ediblf) GALERA The plants of the genus Galera are slender and fragile. The cap is regular, thin, more or less membranaceous, conic or bell-shaped, often striate, especially when moist, margin straight, never incurved, as in Naucoria. The gills are adnate or adnexed. The stem is some- what cartilaginous, hollow, and polished. GALEEA TENEBA. (EDIBLE) In this species the cap is conic or bell-shaped, rust colored when damp, ochraceous when dry, hygrophanous, membranaceous, smooth, but striate when damp; the gills are cinnamon, broad, ascending adnate; the stem is slender, fragile, smooth, sometimes striate, mealy above, paler than cap. The cap is ft lines to three-fourths inch broad; the stem is 2 to 4 inches long. This little fungus is very common in lawns or in richly manured places, where it appears early in the spring and persists until frost. It exhibits considerable variation in size and color, the latter ranging from light tan to brown and depending upon conditions of humidity. AGARICUS The genus Agaricus is characterized bv brown or blackish spores with a purplish tinge and by the presence of a ring. The cap is mostly fleshy and the gills are free from the stem. The genus is closely related to Sti-opharia. but is separated from it by the fact that it has free gills and by the noncontinuity of the stem and the cap. The species of Agaricus occur in pastures, meadows, woods, and manured ground. All are edible, but certain forms are of especially good flavor. Bright colors are mostly absent and white or dingy brown shades ju-edominate. 36 CIECULAR 14 3, U. S. DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE AGARICUS ARVENSIS. HORSE OR FIELD MUSHROOM. (EDIBLE) In this species the cap is convex, bell-shaped, then expanded, when young floccose or mealy, later smooth, white, or yellowish; the flesh is white; the gills white to grayish pink, at length blackish brown, free, close, may be broader toward the stem ; the stem is stout, hollow or stuffed, may be slightly bulbous, smooth; the ring is rather large, thick, the upper part white, mem- branaceous, the lower yellowish and radially split. The cap is 3 to 5 inches broad ; the stem is 2 to 5 incbes high, and 4 to 10 lines thick. Agaricus arvensis is to be found in fields, pastures, and waste places. It is closely related to the ordinary cultivatetl mushroom, but differs in its larirer size and double ring. It is an excellent edible species, the delicacy of tlavor and texture largely depending, like other mushrooms, upon its age. AGARICUS SILVICOLA. FOREST MUSHROOM. (EDIBLE) In this species the cap is convex, expanded to almost plane, sometimes umbonate, smooth, shining, white, often tinged with yellow, sometimes with pink, especially in the center; the tlesh is white or pinkish; the gills are thin, crowded, white, then pink, later dark brown, distant from the stem, generally narrowed toward each end; the stem is long, bulbous, stuffed or hollow, whitish, sometimes yellowish below; the ring is membranaceous, sometimes with broad floccose patches on the under side. Figure 33. — Ayaricus campcstris, the common or cultivated mushroom. (Edible) AGARICUS CAMPESTRIS. COMMON OR CULTIVATED MUSHROOM. (EDIBLE) (Fig. 33) In this species the cap is rounded, convex, when expanded nearly plane, smooth, silkv floccose or squamulose, white or light brown, squamules brown, margin incurved; the flesh is white, firm; the gills are white m the very young stage, then pink, soon becoming purplish brown, dark brown, or nearly black, free from the stem, rounded behind, subdeliciuescent ; the stem is white, subequal, smooth, or nearly so; the veil sometimes remains as fragments on the margin of cap; the ring is frail, sometimes soon disapi>earing. The cap is 11/2 to 4 inches broad ; the stem is 2 to 3 inches long and 4 to 8 lines thick. ^ Thi^ is the most common and best known of all the edible mushrooms. It is a species of high commercial value, lending itself to a very successful and profitable artificial cultivation. It is cosmopolitan in its geographic distribu- tion, being as universally known abroad as in North America. It is cultivated in caves cellars, and in especially constrncled houses; but it also occurs abundantly in the wild state, appearing in pastures, grassy places, golf courses, and richlv manured ground. The only danger in collecting it in the wild form is in mistaking an Amanita for an Agaricus ; however, this danger may be obviated by waiting until the gills are decidedly pink before collecting the mu.shrooms. SOME COMMON MUSHROOMS AND HCW TO KNOW THEM 37 AGAEICUS PI.ACOMYCES. FI.AT-C'AP MUSHROOM. (En)rBLB) In tliis specios tlic c.ip is (hiii, at first l)r(tii(lly ovate, convex or cxitanded and flat in ajje. whitish, adorned with nunuMous minute, brown scales, wliicii boconio crowded in the center, forniinu a lar;re l)rown patch; tlie Kills are close, white, tlien i)inkish, finally hlackisli brown; the veil is broad; the ring is larfje. In the early statues, according to Atkinson,'^ a portion of the veil fre(iuently encircles the stipe like a tul)e, whih- a part remains still stretched over the gills. Tlie stem is smooth, stuffed or hollow, bulbous, white or whitish, the bulb often stained with yellow. The cap is 2 to 4 inches broad ; the stem is 3 to 5 inches long and one-fourth to one-half inch thick. This species frequents hemlock woods, occurring from July to September AGABICUS BODMANI. IMIDMAN'S AGARIC. (EDIBLE) In this species the cap is firm, rounded, convex, then nearly plane, white, becoming suhochraceous, smooth or cracked into scales on the disk, margin decurved ; the flesh is white; the gills are narrow, close, white, pink or reddish jtink. finally blackish brown; the stem is solid, short, whitish, smooth, or slightly mealy, squamulose above the ring; the ring is double, sometimes appearing as two collars with space between. The cap is 2 to 4 inches broad ; the stem is 2 to 3 inches long and 6 to 10 lines thick. Afjarlcus rodnmni may easily be mistaken for A. cnmpestris, but can be distinguished by the thicker, firmer flesh, narrower gills, which are nearly white when young, and the peculiar collar, which appears double. This species grows on grassy ground, often springing from crevices of unused pavements or between the curbing and the walk. It is to be found principall.v from May to July. AGARICUS SUBRUFESCENS. (EIDIBLE) In this species the cap is at first deeply hemispherical, becoming convex or broadly expanded, silky, fibrillose, and minutely or obscurely squamulose, whitish, grayish, or dull reddish brown, usually smooth and darker on the disk ; the flesh is white, unchangeable ; the gills are at first white or whitish, (hen pinkish, finally blackish brown; the stem is rather long, often somewhat thickened or bulbous at the base, at first stuffed, then hollow, white; the annulus is flocculose or floccose squamose on the lower surface. Two addi- tional characters that assist in identification are the mycelium, which forms slender branching rootlike, strings, and the almondlike flavor of the flesh. The cap is 3 to 4 inches broad ; the stem is 2% to 4 inches long. The plants often grow in large clusters of 20 to 30 or even 40 individuals. They occur in the wild state and have also been reported as a volunteer crop in especially prepared soil. Specimens collected in the vicinity of Washington, D. C, were found growing near the river on a rocky slope rich in leaf mold. Agaricus subrufesccns is considered a very excellent edible species. STROPHARIA The *ijenus Stropliaria is easily recotjnized among the purple-spored agarics. It is clistingiiished from Agaricus by its usually adnate gills and the continuity of the flesh of the cap and stem. A ring is always present in young plants but often absent at maturity. The edibility of species of this genus is a disputed point among mycophagists. ^Atkinson, Geokge F. studies of American fungi, p. 24, 2d ed. 1003. 38 CIRCULAR 14 3, U. S. DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE STROPHAKIA SEMIGLOBATA. (POISOIMOUS) (Fig. 34) In Sfrnphnria aonif/lohfitn tlip rap is ronntlofl. then hemispherical, thick at center, becoming thin toward the even margin, light yellow, viscid when moist ; the gills are Inroad, adnate, uneciual, when young light brown, later purpli.sh brown or blackish ; the stem is slender, hollow, even or slightly bulbous. FiiURE 34. — Stropharid siiiiiylubuia. (i'oisoiious) smooth, yellowish, but paler at apex, where striate markings from the gills may be present, viscid; the ring is viscous, incomplete, and formed by the remains of the glutinous veil which soon disappears. I. — II jiiilioloiiia um (From (.i. F. Atkinson I The cap is 1 to IVj inches broad; the stem is 2 to .3 inches long and 2 to 3 lines thick. This species is remarkable for the uniformly hemispherical cap. It occurs comnioidy on dung or iu well-manured ground. It is not to be recognized as an edible species. SOME COMMON MUSH i;( )().MS A N I • IIOW To KNOW II i;.M 39 HYPHOLOMA The <]^oiuis Hvplioloiua bol()n<;s to the i)iir])le-brown-s])()r(Ml group, but (liil'ers from Agaricus and Stioj)liaiia in the characler of the veil, which persists as fragments or a silky border on the margin of tlie ])iiiMis. In some species the latter is Arm and flesliy, in others fragile. The margin of the pileus is at first incurved. The stem is fleshy and like Strojiliaria continuous with the substance of the cap. Species of the genus IIyi)hol()ma generally occur in clusters or clumps at the base of dead stumps, logs, or decayed wood under the ground. HYPHOI.OMA APPKNDKTLATrM. (KDUJLE) (Fig. 35) 111 this species tlie cap is rather tliin, ovate, then expaiuled until somewhat flattened, darli hrowu wlien damp, tawny wlien dry, slightly wrinkled and atomate: the flesh is white; the gills are crowded, somewhat adnate, wliite, at length pnrplish brown; the stem is white, hollow, equal, smooth, pruinost? at the apex; the veil is white, delicate, attached to the margin of the cap for a short time, soon disappearing. The cap is 2 to S iuclies broad ; the stem is 2 to 3 inches long and 2 to 3 lines thick. Specimens of this species may be collected in the late sjiring, in summer, and frequently in tlie eai'ly fall. The plants are fragile and hygrophanous, scat- tered, clustered, or densely tufted. They grow on rotten logs, stumps, or some- times on the ground, arising mostly from rotten wood beneath the surface. This species is tender and possesses excellent esculent qualities. Drying and preserving for winter use have been recommended, as the flavor is retained to a remarkable degree. FiGUiiE 'M. — Hj/ijlii/l(tiii>i tiuhUtt<'ritium. (Susijcctfil.) (From G. F. Alkiusuu) HYPHOLOMA SIJBLATKKITIUM. BRICK-TOP. (SISPECTEU) (Fig. 36) In this species the cap is conical, becoming almost plane, fleshy, firm, smooth, but with tine, silky fibers, brick red, sometimes tawny, margin of lighter color; the fle.sh is white or yellowi.sh ; the gills are narrow, crowdeil, adiuite, sometimes 40 CIRCULAR 14 3, U. S. DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE decurreut by a tooth, creamy when young, purplish olivaceous, sometimes with a sooty tiiiije when mature; the stem is firm, stuffed, attenuated downward, .smooth or tibrilloso. sraly, lipht yellowish, rust colored below: the veil is at first white, becoming dark, and may for a time adhere to the margin of the cap. The cap is 2 to 3 inches broad ; the stem is 3 to 4 inches long and 3 to 5 lines thick. This species appears very abundantly in the fall, producing large clusters around rotten stumps or decayed prostrate logs. The European form of this plant is reported as bitter and regarded as poisonous. The American form has been frequently eaten, although it has little to recommend it as a delicacy. Catchup has been made from it, but the success of the experiment was doubtless due more to the addition of condiments than to the flavor of the mush- rooms. HYPHOLOMA PERPLEXUM. PEKPLEKING HYPHOLOMA In this species the cap is convex, expanding to nearly iilane, sometimes umbonate, smooth, red- dish, or brownish red, margin yellowish; the flesh is white or whitish ; the gills are thin, close rounded at inner extrem- ity, flrst pale yellow then greenish, later pur- plish brown ; the stem is equal, hollow, fibril- lose, yellowish above, reddish -brown below. The cap is 1 to 3 inches broad ; the stem is 2 to 3 inches long and 2 to 4 lines thick. UUljh olom a -s uhlateri- t ill 1)1 and jET. perplcxum are very closely related, and by some authorities the latter is regarded as only a variety of H. sublaterithim, while certain mycologists consider the two species identical. Peck*^ states that H. perplcxurn may be distinguished by its smaller size, more hollow stem, the yellowish-greenish ami pun^lish tints of the gills, and the absence of a bitter flavor. Like H. sublaterttiiim, this si>ecies occurs abundantly in the fall about stumps or logs, often continuing until freez- ing weather. The plants grow in clusters and the caps are frequently discolored by the falling spores. COPRINUS The genus Coprinus is easily recognized by the black spores and the close gills, which at maturity dissolve into an inky fluid. The stem is hollow, smooth or fibrillose. The volva and ring are not generic characters, but are sometimes present. The plants are more or less fragile and occur on richly manured ground, on dung, or on rotten tree trunks. The genus contains species of excellent flavor and delicate consistency. COPRINUS COMATL'S. SHAGGY MANE. (EDIBLE) (Fig. 37) In this species the cap is oblong, bell-shaped, not fully expanding, fleshy at center, moist, cuticle separating into scales that are sometime white, sometimes • Peck, Ciiakles II. Op. cit. Figure 37. — Copnnus comatus. (Edible) SOME COMMON MUSHROOMS AND HOW TO KNOW THEM 41 yellowish or darker, and show the white llcsli lKMic:ith. split iiii« from tlie mar^'in ahmjr tlie lines of the sills; tlie f;ills are broad, crowded, In-f, wliito, soon heeonuMj; jtiidv or sahnon colored and clianj.dnfi to puriilisli black just previous to deli(iucscence ; the stem is brittle, smooth or librillose, hollow, thick, attenuated upward, sometimes sliKhtly bulbous at base, easily separating from' the cap; the rin^ is thin, movable. The cap is usually IVa to 3 inches long; the stem is 2 to 4 inches l(»ng and 4 to (5 lines thick. This species has a wide geographic distribution and is uiuversally enjoyed by mycophagists. The fungus is very attractive when young, often white, again showing gray, tawny, or pinkish tints. It apiiears in the sitriim and fail, sometimes soli- tary, s o m e t i ni e s in groui)s, on lawns, in rich soil, or in gardens. COPRINUS ATRAMEXTARl- TJ8. INKY CAP. (EDIBLE I (Fig. 38 I In this mushroom the cap is ovate, slightl.v ex- panding, silvery to dark gray or b r o w n i s h, smooth, silky or with small scales, especially at the center, often pli- cate and lobed w i t h notched margin; the gills are broad, ventri- cose, crowded, f r e e, white, soon changing to pinkish gray, then be- coming black and deli- quescent; the stem is smooth, shining, whitish, hollow, attenuated uj*- ward, readily separating from the cap ; the ring is near the base of stem, evanescent. FiGiUfK .'iS. — Vu/jfinus utniiiitnliii ins (.t^mooth form). (Edible) The cap is iy_. to 4 inches broad ; the stem is 2 to 4 inches long and 4 to 7 lines thick. This species appears from spring to autumn, particularly after rains. It grows singly or in dense clusters on rich ground, lawns, gardens, or waste places. It has long been esteemed as an edible species. Coprinus atramcn- tarius differs from C. comatiifi in the more or less smooth, oval cap and the imperfect, basal, evanescent ring. COPRINUS MICACEUS. MICA INKY CAP. In this species the cap is ovate. bell-shaiied, light tan to brown, darker when moist or old, often glistening fr«un minute, micalike ]iarticles, margin closely striate, splitting, and revolute ; the .sills .ire narrow, crowded, white, then pink before becoming black ; stem is slender, white, hollow, fragile, often twisted. The cap is 1 to 2 inches broad ; the stem is 2 to 4 inches long and 2 to 3 lines thick. This glisteiung little species occurs very commonly at the base of trees or springing from dead roots along pavements, or mori> uncommonly on prostrate logs in shady woods. The plants api)ear in great profusion in the spring and early summer, and more sparingly during the fall. Coiirinux tnica<-i u.s- is a very delicious mushroom and lends itself to various methods of preparation. 42 CIRCULAR 14 3, V. S. DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE PSATHYRELLA The species comprising the genus Psathyrella are all fragile, having thin membranaceous, striate caps. When young the margin of the cap lies against the stem, but never extends beyond the gills. PSATHYREa^IA DISSEMINATA. (EDIBLE) The cap is thin, oval to bell-shaped, yellowish, gray or grayish brown, minutely scaly, beeomins smooth, silicate or plicate, margin entire; the gills are broad, adnate, white, then gray, later black ; the stem is hollow, slender, fragile. The cajt is about one-half inch broad; the stem is 1 to 11/2 inches long and 1 to IV2 lines thick. This is a delicate little species, appearing in densely cespitose clusters on decaying wood or about old roots of trees. It occurs from May until frost, often intermittently from the same center This species is edible, but has too little substance to render it a popular article of diet. Figure 39. — I'aiiacoJus rctirucjis PANAEOLUS In the genus Panaeolus the cap is slightly fleshy and the margin nonstriate, always extending beyond the gills, which are gray and mottled from the falling of the black spores. The stem is without a ring and polished. The two nearest related genera are Psathyrella SOME COMMON MUSHHOOMS AM) IIOW TO KXOW 'IIIEM 43 aiul C()j)rinus. I'miacoliis is (listin-xiiislicd IVdin Psatliyrcllii by the nonstriate inar<::in of the ca}) and from Copiiniis by the iiondeliqwes- cent j;ills. PA.NAKOLIS KKTIKl (;IS. WKINKLKI) PANAEOLUS (Ki«. :!0) Tlu> ciip is ovate, (•(•iiic, slightly ('Xpiimliiif,', almost licinisiilicrical. crcain to tan eoloit'd. bfconiiiiK grayish and dark smoky, viscid in wet \v«'allu'r, irrogu- larly markt'd 'vilh aiiastoniosinji wiinklcs ; ivninaiits of veil, which is r»roini- nent and lirm in younj: plants, adhering as fiai^nients on the margin ()f the mature caps; tlie gills ari' rather hrojid. ascending, adnexed, grayisli to violet black; the stem is color of cap. diirker in lower part, hollow, smooth, granulate, may be slightly bulbous. The cap is three-fourths to IY2 inches broad; the stem is 2 to 4 inches long and 2 to 8 lines thick. This species is to be found on dung or on richly manured lawns. While it i.s not generally considered poisonous it is wi.se not to use it as food, as it might be contused with other species of the genus that are poisonous. POLYPORACEAE (PORE FUNGI) Tn tlie Polyporaceae or pore fungi are found the large woody forms that are so often seen on forest and ornamental trees and that cause most of the serious diseases of timber and forest trees. As a class they are difficult to control, because the mycelium lives in the wo(k1, rendering the use of fungicides impracticable. The conspicu- ous shelving, woody growths seen on the branches and trunks of trees are the fruiting bodies of the fungi. These may be removed, but the mycelium will remain to continue the work of destruction. In Polyporaceae the spores are produced in minute pores or tubes (fig. 1, B), instead of on gills as in Agaricaceae, a character sugges- tive of the name polypores, meaning many pores. The pores are develo])ed on the lower surface of the fruiting body and in many species may be seen without the aid of a lens. The tubes or pores vary greatly in size and shape, being long or short, round or angular, or compressed. In some genera the hymenium is wrinkled and the pores are reduced to mere pits. (Jreat variation is also to be observed in the consistency of the fruiting body; it may be woody, fleshy, coriaceous, or subgelatinous. The key that follows will aid in dis- tinguishing the genera of Polyporaceae discussed in this circular. KEY TO POLYPORACEAE Hynienoi)hore normally pileate, souietimes with ri'.supinate forms. Tubes poroid : Stratum of tubes separable from the hymenophore and from each other— Genus Cap Heshy. tubes crowded Fistulina. Stratum of tubes separable from the hymenophore, stem central — Cap smooth Boletus. Cap with large scales Stbobilomyces Stratum of tubes distinct from the hymenophore, but not separable from it — Tubes in several layers, woody, perennial Fomes. Tubes not stratose — Caii thick Poi.YPORUs. Cap thin Polyrtictus. Tubes hd)yrinthiform, sinuous — Hymenophore .sessile, corky Daedalea. Hymenophore reflexed, resupinate or amorphous, subgelatinous, hymenium plicate or rugose porous Merui.iis. 44 CIECULAR 14 3, U. S. DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE FISTULINA In the genus Fistiilina the stem is lateral or very short, the fruiting body growing horizontally from trunks of living trees or stumps of recently cut trees. It is distinguished from species of Polyporus by Figure 40. — Fistulhta lupatica. (Edible) the tubes, which are separate from one another and closed at the mouth when young. FISTULINA HEPATICA. BEa3'STE-\K FUNGUS. (E2)IBLE) (Fig. 40) Specimens of this species are always shelving and may be sessile or stipitate. The caps are tongue-shaped, the margin is entire, wavy or scalloped, blood red, SOME COMMON MUSIIliOOMS AND HOW TO KNOW THEM 45 and at niaturit.v inaikcd wilh more or less radial in;; lines. The llesh is red, thick, soil, juiey. and traversed hy tenacimis lllters. The tubes are at ftrst short and y(>llo\vish. becoming elon^iated and diseolored in ugi'. The ('ap is 'Al^ ••> ■'^ iTicbi's broad, reported as attaining; in En.i;lan- developed on "iills, are borne in numerous small tubes, which are closely crowded but easily sepa- rable from one another and from the hymeiiophore. Most of the plants of this oeiuis are terrestrial, but occasionally they are to be found o:rowing on wood. Some species are edible and considered exceedingly good, while others are extremely dangerous. The phenomenon of changing color on exposure to air exhibited by certain species is not a character peculiar to either poisonous or edible varieties. KEY TO SPECIES OF BOLETUS Surface of hymenium yellow, orange, or greenish. Ring present ; cap distinctly viscid ^\•llen moist ; stem granular-dotted above the I'ing B. Inteus. Ring absent : Stem more or less dotted with granules ; pileus dis- tinctly viscid when moist — Stem long and distinctly gianular-dotted B. (/ifnrulatus. Stem short and indistinctly granular-dotted B. hreviijes. Stem not dotted with granules, but reticulate with a network, of lin(>s, pruinose, or fibrous-striatt^ — Stem reticulate — Tube mouths eventually bright red to orange; surface of caj) becoming whitish B. ■sajanas. Tube mouths fiesh color; cap brownish tawny; fle.sh bitter to the taste B. fcllens. Tube mouths creamy white then greenish B. rduVis. Stem not reticulate — Pileus and stem dark red and pruinose; tubes bright yellow changing to blue when wounded -. B. bicolor. Pileus darkish fuscous red, surface areolate cracked, the interstices red ; stem fibrous- striate ; tubes bright yellow then greenish blue B. chryscnteron. Pileus bay brown ; stem brown ; pruinate ; tubes creamy citron, turning bluish green when touched B. badius. BOLETUS LUTEtTS. (EDIBLE) The cap is convex, becoming nearly plane, viscid or glutinous when moi.st, dull yellowish to reddish brown, sometimes streaked or spotted: the llesh is whiti.sh or dull yellowish; the tubes are adnate. minute, yellow liecoming darker with age ; the stem is stout, pale yellowish, brownish or reddish, dotted ab(rs'e 46 CIRCULAR 14 3, U. S. DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE the aimulus; the auiiulus is variable, sometimes persisting as a narrow ring and again aiipearint; as a broad collar. The cap is 8 to 4 inches broad ; the stem is 21/2 to 3 inches high. This is an excellent edible species of wide geographic distribution, occurring commonly in june woods. A very simihir species is Boletus suhluteus, which is ornamented with dots both above and below the annulus. This fungus also is considered edible. BOLETUS GRANULATUS The cap is convex or nearly plane, color variable, when moist viscid and reddish brown, paler and yellowish when dry; viscid or glutinous; the flesh is pale yellow; the tubes are short, adnate, yellowish, mouths granulated; the stem is pale yellowish, dotted above. A nearly related species, Boletus brcvipes, is distinguished from B. (jrnnu- latus by a shorter stem and the absence or indistinctness of granulations on the mouths of the tubes and stem. Ku.i lit 4i.— J!ol(tus fvUcus (I'orm with noureticulate stem) BOLETUS FEXLEUS. BITTER B0LI':TUS (Fis. 41) The cap is convex or nearly plane, tirni, bect)ming soft, color variable, pale yellowish, grayish brown, reddish lirown, or chestnut: the flesh is white, often changing to flesh color when wounded, and of bitter taste; the tubes are adnate, long, depressed around the stem, mouths angular, white, becom- ing tinged with flesh color; the stem is similar in color to the cap. but jialer, variable, long or short, equal or tapering upward, sometimes bulbous, reticulated above. Tlie cap is 8 to 4 inches broad; the stem is 2 to 3 inches long. This is a common and widely distributed species. It is exceedingly con- spicuous on account of its color, size, and solidity ; though not poisonous, it is very bitter. A variety. Boletus felleus obesus, attains a size of about a foot in diameter and has coarse reticulations on the sterh. SOME COMMON MUSHROOMS AM) HOW TO KNOW THEM 47 BOLETUS CHRYSENTEmON The cap is convex or plane brown or luick rcil. more or less cracked, snl)tonu'nt(ise: tlio tlesh is ycUnw, red immediately licncatli tlie cuticle, cliang- iui,' to sliirli* blue wiiere wounded: tiie Inlics arc siiliadnate, yellow then jrrcenish, lar^'e, anjiular; the stem is lihrous, striate, equal, red or yellowish. The cap i^ 1 t" -^ inches broad; the stem is 1 to 3 inches long. Authors differ concerning the edibility of this species; con.sequently extreme raution should be used to avoid collecting it for Boletus bicolor, which is edible. BOLETUS EDULIS. EDIBLE BOIJlTUS. (EDIBLE) (Fig. 41') The cap is convex to expanded, smooth, firm when young, becoming soft in age, the color varying from grayish ri'd to brownish red. generally paler on the margin ; the flesh is white or yellowish. s(im<'timc< r('(ldish bciicMtii the cuticle; the tubes are convex, nearly free, long, minute, white, then yel- low, and greenish ; the stem is variable in length, straight or flex- nous, eciual or bullions, more or less reticidated. w h i t i s h, pallid, o r l)rownish. The cap is 4 to 6 inches broad; the stem is 2 to 6 inches long. Tills is a species of frequent occurrence and the one of this genus most conmionly eaten. HOLKTUS BICOLOR (EPTBLE) The cap is convex, glabrous, pruinose, dark red, paler in age and sometimes spotted with yeUow, firm; the flesh is yellow, sometimes chang- ing to blue w here wounded ; the tubes are nearly plane, adnate. bright yellow, changing to blue where wounded, mouths small angular or subrotund ; the stem is subequal. solid, red. The cap is 2 to 4 inches broad ; the stem is 1 to 3 inches long. This is a very attractive little species, occurring ii<;inrigbt s)d- phur-yellow color, which quickly attracts the attention of the collector. POLYSTICTUS Si)ecies of the genus Polystictus may be dift'erentiated from those of Polyporus because of being thinner with caps more pliant. None are to be especially reconnnended for table purposes, but by their abundance and attractiveness they force themselves ujion the atten- tion of the amateur or nature student. The species described here are all sessile and shelving. 50 CIRCULAR 14 3, U. S. DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE POLYSTICTUS CINNABARINUS The specific name of this i^aut is derived from its bright cinnabar color. The funirus is slielvins, pliant, and rather thicker than the following species. It sirow.s on dead logs or dead i)ranches of various trees. The ciip is 1 to H inches in width. This fungus lias a very wide geographic range and is quickly located by its bright and beautiful color. POLYSTICTUS PEKGAMEXUS This fungus is thin and very pliant when fresh, somewhat tomentose, with indistinct, longitudinal color zones. The tubes are violet or purplish, but the plants are easily weathered, and the tubes become lacerated, resembling Irpex, a genus possessing teeth instead of tubes. The cap is 1 to 1% inches in v.idth. This is one of the most common Polypoi'es and is to be found on various trees. POLYSTICTUS VERSICOLOR Polystictiis versicolor is easily distinguished by the concentric bands of dif- ferent colors, mostly bay or black but occasionally with a narrow zone of orange, which mark the cap. The tubes are white, and the margin is thin, sterile, and entire. The plants grow ilensely imbricated and are to be found abundantly on dead stiunps or trunks of many varieties of trees. The cap is three-fourths to 1% inches in width. DAEDALEA The plants belonging to the genus Daedalea are sessile, dry, and corky. The species are exceedingly interesting on account of the hymenophore, which shows intermediate stages between the gill and pore fungi. The pores are typically sinuous and lab^'rinthiform, but often the thick platelike developments resemble gills more than pores. Several species are of common occurrence, but all are tough and corky and none are reported edible. DAEDALEA QUEKCINA In this species the cap is shelflike, dinudiate. triangular in cross section, corky, rigid, smooth or nearly so, wrinkled, grayish to light brownish, margin usually thin, pallid; the pores are wavy, some gill-like. The cap is 2 to 4i/^ inches or more in width. This species occurs on oak (Quercus) stumps and trunks, and because of its habit of growing on this host it was named Daedalea qucroina. MERULIUS The si:)ecies of the genus Merulius are resupinate and subgelatinous. The hymenium is wrinkled or foldlike, and the pores are very shalloAv. Species of Merulius are very destructive in dwellings constructed wholly or in part of timber. It is probably the most destructive timber rot, as it affects both softwoods and hardwoods. Attacks by these fungi are common where the light and ventilation are poor, as in cellars, basements, and similar places. MEKULIUS LACRYMANS. WEEPING MERULIUS In Merulius: lucrinnans the fruiting body is flat, prostrate, soft, and charac- terized by watery exudations. It is at first white, then red. later changing to yellowish brown. This Is one of the most common spe(!ies that attack tind)er, rendering it spongy, watery, and unfit for building purposes. The mycelium may develop as long strands, or it may form large sheets which peel off readily. SOME COMMON MUSHIJOOMS AND HOW TO KNOW THEM 51 HYDNACEAE (TOOTH FUNGI) In tlic family Hydnaceae tlio plants are stipitate, bracket shaped or I'csiipinate, fleshy, corky, leathery, oi- woody. In Hydninn, the most hifj^hly developed <::enus of this family, the hymeiiiiiiu is dis- tinctly toothlike, but there are many intermediate ercles, subcylindrical, re- supinate Radulum. HYDNUM The species of the genus Hydnum vary greatly as to form, con- sistency, and manner of growtli. Certain forms possess well-defined cap and stem, some are bracket shaped or shelving, and still others are resupinate. The teeth are pointed and free from each other at the base. In consistency, species of Hydnum range from soft fleshy to toiigii. Many are terrestrial in hal)it, while others grow on living or dead trees. HYDNUM CORALLOIDES. CORAL HYDNUM. (EDIBLE) This s])ecies is easily recoimized by the lon,a:, interlacing, tapering l)raiiches, which are of two Ivinds: The primary, which are nearly sterile; and the secondary, which are fertile and cliiefly Itear the slender terete teeth. The substance is fleshy, brittle to somewhat tough. Iliidmiin corallnidcs is one of the most graceful and beautiful species of fungi, and its white, corallike tufts measure from 6 to 18 inches across. It grows on decaying prostrate or standing timber and is found from August until frost. It is etlible, but not very abundant or common. HYDNUM ERINACEUS. SATYR'S BEARD. (EDIBLE) (Fig. 44) Hydnmn crhidecus forms pendulous tufts from 2 to 10 inches across. The point of attachment is small and the mass generally i)r().jects horizontally from the substratum. The tufts are white, changing to yellowish brown in drying. Tlie individual teeth are crowded, slender. t(>rete, tapei'iiig, acute. 1 to -Vi inches long. This siK'cies is quite conspicuous, growing from crotches or wounds of trees — beech, oak, locust, etc. Growth from the same source may appear year after year. CLAVARIACEAE (CORAL FUNGI) The common name of the coral fungi was given them on account of their resemblance to coral. They are erect, club-shaped, simple, or branched and vary in size from slender clubs to large, many- branched ma.s.ses. In many species the color is very beautiful and may be lavender, pink, orange, cream, or white. Certain members 52 CIRCULAR 14 3, U. S. DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTUEE of this famil}^ are edible, but as the species are difficult to recorrnize and as cases of poisoning have been reported, it is safer to let all coral fungi alone. PHALLACEAE (STINKHORN FUNGI) Most of the species belonging to the family Phallaceae are charac- terized by a disagreeable odor. The plants grow below the surface of the ground or on decayed stumps. The mycelium or vegetative l^art forms coarse, ropelike strands from wdiich arises the fruit body, wdiich in its early stages is commonly known as an " egg " because of its form. The outer part of the egg forms the volva and consists of outer and inner membranes, between which is a gelatinous substance. FicriiE 44. — Iliiihvnn crinaccitfi. (Edible) The central portion of the egs: is occupied by a tubular receptacle or part bearing the gleba, the spore-bearing part. The receptacle, elon- gates rapidly and at maturity ruptures the volva, thus exposing the spore-bearing mass. Species of this family have highly developed characters, such as color, taste, and odor, which, by attracting insects. insure the dissemination of the spores. The following fungi are two very common examples of this family : ITHYPHALLUS IMPUMCUS. STINKHORN FUNGUS (Fig. 45) In this fungus the volva is slfibtiso or ovoid, white or pinkish, and divides into two or three parts as the plant develops. The cap is conic to cauipanulate, the surface reticulate pitted, the apex smooth, and the stalk cylindric-fusiform, hollow, and widel.v perforate at tlu> apex. This is a verv common species :ind is found ahout dead stumps, fence corners, and .yards, or under walks or platforms. Its presence is readily detected by the strong, dLsagreeahle odor which is emitted at maturity. SOME COMMON MUSHIJOOMS WD now To KNOW 'IIIK.M oij MUTINUS In the gfenus Mutinus tlu' m-cptadc or stalk is collitlar or sponjry, siinple, eIon<,rat('(l, cyliiKlric taiR'riiio;, with the <,H('ba-b("arin- or peridnim consists of two layers. The outer layer, the cortex, breaks up mto small, soft scales, spines, warts, or r turliinate aiul depressed alutvc. with a thiek, soinewliat stendike hase and cordlike root; the cortex is whitisli gray or hrowii. sometimes with a ]>iidvish-purple tinge, thin, fi-agile, areolate in the upper i»art. which, after maturity, soon l)reaks U4) and falls away, leaving a cup-shaped base with a ragged margin attached to tlie gi'ound ; tlu; capillitium and sjiores are at first viol&t, becoming dark purple brown. The plant is ;> to naic\ without zones or circular bands of different color. P.asidium. an enlarged cell upon which siMin's are borne. Bulbous, applied to stem of a mushroom with l>ulblike swelling at the base. Campanula te. bell-shaped. Cartilaginous, gristly, firm, and tough. Cespitose, growing in tufts or clumps. Coriaceous, of a leathery texture. Corrugated, having a wrinkled appear- ance. Cortex, an outer rindlike layer. Crenate, notched at the edge, notches blunt, not sharp as in a serrated edge. Cuticle, skinlike layer on the outer sur- face of cap and stem. Deciduous, falling off at maturity. Decurrent. applied to gills that are pro- longed down the stem. Dentate. t<"'thed. Dimidiate, halvi'd. Distant, applied to gills that are not close. Emarginate. when gills are notched or scooped out at junction with stem. Excentric, not central. Exoperidium, outer layer of the peridium. Expanded, spread out, as the pileus uap) from convex to plane. Fibrillose, appearing to be covered with or composed of minute fibers. Fibrous, clothed with small fibers. Eloccose downy, woolly. Free, said of gills not attached to the stem. (JeTUis. a group of closely related species. Cihlxnis. swnllin at one side. (ilalinms. siiKnitb. Gleba, spore-bearing tissue in Gastromy- cetes. (irannlar, covered with or composed of granules. Gregarious, growing together in iiuml)ers in the same locality. Uabitat, natural place of growth of a plant. Hygrophanous, watery when moist, opaque when dry. Ilyineiiium. the fruit-bearing surface. lIvnieiKiphore, the sporophore or fruiting body. Iiiiliiiiate, overlapping like shingles. Infiiiidibuliform, funnel-shaped. Innate, adhering by growth. Involute, rtdled inward. Eanceolato, tapering to both ends. Line, one-twelfth of an inch. Marginate, liaving a well-defined border. Obovate, broad end upward or toward the apex. Partial, said of a veil clothing the stem and reaching to the edge of the cap but not extending beyond it. Pellicle, a thin skin. I'ileate, having a cap or pileus. Pileus, cap of a fungus. I'lane (of pileus i, with a flat surface. Plicate, folded like a fan. Pruinose. covered with a bloom or powder. Ueflexed, turned back. Resupinate. attached to the matrix by the back, the hymenium facing outward. Reticulate, marked with cross lines like the meslies of a net. Revolute, rolled backward or ui)ward. Ring, annulus, a part of the veil adhering in the form of a ring to the stem of an agaric. Rugose, wrinkled. Serrate, saw-toothed. Sinuate, wavy, as the mfirgin of gills. Species, the smallest group of plants or animals to which distinctive and in- variable characters can be assigned. Stipe, stem of a mushroom. Striate, marked with parallel or radiating lines. Stuffed, said of a stem filled with mate- rial of a different texture from its walls. Sulcate, grooved, marked with furrows. Tomentose, densely pubescent with matted wool. Tubercle, wartlike excrescence. I'mbilicate. with a central depression. Fmbo, central idevation. Undulate, wavj'. Universal, said of the veil or volva which entirely envelopes the fungus when young.' Ventricose, swollen in the middle. Villose, covered with long, weak hairs. \iscid. moist and sticky. \iseous. gluey. Zonate, marked with concentric bands of color. 59 k INDEX OF SPECIES Descriptions of the species will be found on the pases indicated. ,\garicus arvensis 36 camijestris 36 placorayces 37 rodmani 37 silvicola 36 subrufescens 37 Amanita caesarea 8 muscaria 7 phalloides 6 strohiliformis 8 Amanitopsis vaginata 9 Armillaria mellea 14 ventricosa 15 Boletus bicolor 47 chrysenteron 47 edulis 47 felleus 45 granulatus..-^-- .- 45 luteus 45 Calvatia cyathiformis 55 gigantea 55 Cantharellus aurantiacus 18 cibarius 17 Claudopus nidulans 31 Clitocybe dealbata - 20 illudens 20 monadelpha 18 multiceps 19 ochropurpurea 19 CoUybia radicata . 23 vpIu tipes 23 ?oprinus atramentarius 41 comatiis 40 micaceus 41 Page Cortinarius cinnamomeus — 34 lilacinus 34 Daedalea quercina. 50 Fistulina hepatica 44 Fomes applanatus 48 lucidus -- 48 Galera tenera - - 35 Oeaster hygrometiicus 56 Hydnum coralloides 51 erinaceus 51 Hy grophoius chrysodon 28 coccineus 28 conicus 28 hypothejus 28 HMjholomaappendiculatum, 39 perplcxnm 40 siiltlateritiiim 39 Ithyphalliis iiiipudicus 52 Lactarius (leliciosiis 26 indigo 26 Lentinus lecomtei 30 lepideus 30 Lepiota americana 13 morgani 10 naucina 12 procera 10 Lycoperdon pyriforme 54 Marasmius oreades 29 rotula 29 Menilius lacrymans 50 Morchella esculenta 57 Mutinus eaninus 53 Mycena galericulata 25 Naucoria semiorbicularis 35 Page Omphalia campanella _.- 21 Panaeolus retirugis 43 Panus stypticus 31 Pholiota adiposa 33 caperata 33 tnarginata 33 squarrosa 33 Pleurotus ostreatus 16 sapidus 16 Pluteus cervinus 32 Polyporus betulinus 49 frondosiis. 49 sulphureus 49 Polystictus cinnabarinus 50 pergamenus . 50 versicolor . 50 Psathyrella disseminata. 42 Russula emetica 27 virescens _ 27 Strobiloinyees strohilaceus. _ . 48 Stropharia semiglobata 38 Tricholoma eque.stie 22 nudum 22 personatum 22 russula 23 terreum 22 Volvaria bombycina 31 60 U. S 50VERNMENT PRINTING OFFICE: 1946 1^ immm mmms nfP«rur« ^"'^^ mS""