Shaggy Scalycap

Shaggy Scalycap Pholiota squarrosa (Weigel) P. Kumm. (illustrated (c) 40% life size) Cap 3–11cm across, convex, becoming flattened, margin remaining inrolled; pale straw-yellow, densely covered in coarse red-brown, upturned scales; not viscid. Stem 50–120×10–15mm; pale yellow, darkening at base; smooth above torn membranous ring, covered in red-brown recurved scales below. Flesh pale yellowish, becoming red-brown in stem base; tough; taste and smell radishy. Gills crowded; pale yellow at first, later cinnamon. Spores 5.5–9×3.5–5¼, oval, smooth. Spore print rusty brown. Pleurocystidia clavate with mucronate apex. Habitat in dense clusters at the base of deciduous and, very occasionally, coniferous trees; autumn. Common. Not edible.