Cystoderma amianthinum, also known as Earthy Powdercap or Saffron parasol, is a small fragile agaric with light brown to yellowish cap, white or cream gills and a coarsely granular stem with a ring. It grows summer to fall solitary or scattered in small tufted groups in damp mossy grassland, in coniferous forest clearings, or on wooded heaths.

Cap ochraceous or yellowish tan, convex to bell-shaped, and later flat with a slight depression around a low umbo (central boss). It is dry and powdery, often with a shaggy or fringed margin. Gills initially white, becoming creamy later. They are adnexed (narrowly attached to the stem), and initially quite crowded. Stem cylindrical, and has a flaky-granular sheath beneath a fleeting, powdery ring. Flesh dirty yellow, firm and stuffed. Spore print white or pale cream.

Microscopic Features: The spores of Cystoderma amianthinum are ellipsoidal to oblong in shape, smooth in texture, measure approximately 5-7.5 x 3-4μm and exhibit amyloid characteristics.

Cystoderma amianthinum on the First Nature Web site.
Cystoderma amianthinum on the MushroomExpert.Com Web site.