Strobilurus esculentus (Spruce Cone Cap)
Family
Marasmiaceae
Location
Europe
Dimensions
Cap 1-2 cm diameter, stem 2-7 cm tall * 0.1-0.2 cm thick
Edibility
This site contains no information about the edibility or toxicity of mushrooms.
Description
Strobilurus esculentus, commonly known as the Spruce Cone Cap, is a small agaric mushroom with a brown, conical to convex cap and pale whitish gills. It typically appears in early spring, growing on or around fallen spruce cones, often forming scattered or clustered groups. This species is specific to spruce and is never found on pine cones.

Cap is brownish-grey, initially convex and becoming flattened with age. The surface is smooth. The flesh is white and thin, though it can also appear off-white or brownish-black. Gills crowded, white, and somewhat sinuate. Stem thin, elongated, lighter at the top and darker at the bottom. Woolly strands are visible at the base. Spore print white.

Microscopic Features: The spores are elongated-ellipsoidal, and the cystids take on an elongated-fusiform shape.

Similar species include Strobilurus stephanocystis and Strobilurus tenacellus which favour pine cones.

Many mushrooms are poisonous, and some can be lethally toxic. Distinguishing between edible and poisonous mushrooms can be very challenging. Therefore, we strongly advise against consuming wild mushrooms. This website does not contain any information about the edibility or toxicity of mushrooms.

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