Ashen Knight

Ashen Knight Tricholoma virgatum (Fr.) P. Kumm. (illustrated 50% life size) Cap 3–7cm across, convex with a broad, low, umbo; brownish-black or greyish, at first with violaceous tints; streaked with very fine, black fibrils. Stem 50–90×10–18mm; white, often flushed with grey; smooth. Flesh white to greyish; taste bitter and peppery, smell musty. Gills greyish, tinged flesh-colour, often browning at the edges. Spores 6.5–8×5–6¼. Spore print white. Habitat in deciduous and coniferous woods; autumn. Occasional. Not edible.