This species is recorded as deadly toxic. Do not consume. Galerina marginata is highly toxic and can be mistaken for edible mushrooms. Foragers should exercise extreme caution and consult multiple sources before consuming any wild mushrooms.
Galerina marginata is a small to medium-sized mushroom with a brown, conical to bell-shaped cap that can be sticky when wet. It features a slender stem and often has a ring, with gills that are closely spaced and a rusty brown spore print.
Field marks recorded for this species. Work through all of them, not just one:
| Family | Hymenogastraceae |
|---|---|
| Genus | Galerina |
| Edibility | Deadly toxic — do not consume |
| Toxicity | deadly |
| Season | Aug-Dec |
| Habitat | Typically found in decaying wood, mossy areas, and forest floors, often in association with coniferous trees. |
| Region | Found in North America, Europe, and parts of Asia. |
Habitat: Typically found in decaying wood, mossy areas, and forest floors, often in association with coniferous trees.
Region: Found in North America, Europe, and parts of Asia.
Fruits from late summer to early winter, depending on the region.
Typical months: Aug-Dec
Always verify identification to avoid these similar species. The differentiator is the point — learn the one or two tells that separate them:
Cortinarius species often have a similar appearance but typically have a more fibrous or web-like veil.
Pholiota mushrooms can resemble Galerina but usually have a more robust structure and yellowish-brown coloration.
Inocybe species may look similar but often have a more bulbous base and are generally more toxic.
Pin the sighting and compare this species against its lookalikes in the offline database — confusion runs both ways, and knowing where toxic species fruit makes every future ID safer.
Download Mushroom TrackerDisclaimer: This guide is for educational purposes only. Never consume a wild mushroom unless you are 100% certain of its identification.