Magnificent Mushrooms! #8

Disclaimer: This is not a definitive guide to mushrooms. If you plan to pick mushrooms for eating, always go with someone who can expertly pick out those mushrooms that are edible.

Hello again everyone! Welcome back to another look at our magnificent mushrooms from our area. This actually includes most of northeastern North America too since most of our mushrooms are found throughout this huge area and not just around here. Today we have the Funnel Cap (C. squamulosa, also listed in some books as I. squamulosa) to share with you.

Funnel Cap (C. squamulosa), side view.

The caps are definitely funnel shaped with a stem that can be up to 3 inches (7.5cm) tall and a cap that can be up to 4 inches (10cm) across. The first photo of mine shows a Funnel Cap that is 3 inches (7.5cm) across. There are several varieties of Funnel Caps, only one is considered edible and one is very toxic. This variety is inedible and all Funnel Caps should be avoided by people unless the person is an expert in identifying mushrooms, to avoid eating toxic varieties.

Funnel Cap (C. squamulosa) top view.

This variety is found normally under conifer trees, these were under a large Red Pine. These mushrooms feed on decaying organic matter underground, in this case pine needles. They will grow singly or in groups, such as the ones I photographed. They will also grow in circles often called fairy rings, though around here that doesn’t seem to happen often.

Personally I have never seen them grow that way in our area. These mushrooms can be found growing from about late July to late fall. They can be found commonly throughout our area. I hope you enjoyed our look at this mushroom, have a great day and God bless!

Steve and Muffin.

©2024 Steve McLeod.