Pholiota squarrosa (Scaly Pholiota)

Pholiota squarrosa is beautiful mushroom with dazzling golden coloration. According to literature it grows on various hardwoods, even on conifers. In my experience it is growing mainly on birch.

Name

Pholiota squarrosa has several common names: Scaly Pholiota, Shaggy Pholiota.  Historically quite stable and did not move around through different genera.

Characteristics

  • cap is up to 12 cm, initially bell shaped than flattened
  • stalk is up to 12cm long and has a ring
  • both cap and stalk under the ring are covered with scales of somewhat lighter color
  • grows on wood
  • spore print is cinnamon to brown
  • gills are very close ; in young specimens covered with partial veil and brown with green overtones; mature gills are rusty brown

Edibility

Historically this species was considered edible, but it is now known that it can cause gastric upset, especially if consumed with alcohol. The smell of the mushroom is not very appealing. Some sources compare it to skunk. I did never try to eat this mushroom.

 

There is very similar species, Pholiota squarrosoides. It is somewhat smaller and has a slimy cap. Considered edible, but it is quite hard to distinguish from Pholiota squarrosa in the field. I do not think it is worth the effort.

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