Hebeloma crustuliniforme
Hebeloma crustuliniforme
(Photo: © Michael Wood)

Hebeloma crustuliniforme (Bull.) Quél.
Champ. Jura Vosg. 1: 128. 1872.

Photo: Leaves and other debris tend to adhere to the viscid cap.

Common Name: Poison Pie

  • Pileus

    Cap 4-9 cm broad, convex at first with inrolled margin, becoming plano-convex with a broad umbo, margin sometimes upturned in age; surface smooth, viscid when moist, cream to buff shading to a buff-brown disc; flesh thick, white; odor of radish, taste bitter.

  • Lamellae

    Gills close, adnate to adnexed, white becoming pale brown, finely serrate, edges with droplets of liquid when young.

  • Stipe

    Stipe 4-7 cm tall, 0.7-14 cm thick, equal to enlarged at the base, pallid to concolorous with cap, apex pruinose, i.e. covered with fine powdery granules; veil absent; solid; rhizomorphs usually seen at base.

  • Spores

    Spores 9-12 x 6-7 µm, elliptical, slightly roughened. Spore print dull brown.

  • Habitat

    Solitary, gregarious or in arcs and rings. Very common under Live Oak (Quercus agrifolia) and conifers (especially Monterey Pine) fruiting from after the fall rains to late winter; sporadic fruitings are sometimes seen during the summer in watered areas.

  • Edibility

    ToxicToxic. The unknown toxins cause a rather severe gastrointestinal syndrome.

  • Comments

  • Other Descriptions and Photos

    (D=Description; I=Illustration; P=Photo; CP=Color Photo)

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