âšī¸ Edibility Note
Due to its similarity to potentially toxic species, caution is advised when foraging. It is recommended to consult an expert before consumption.
Description
Panaeolus cinctulus is a small to medium-sized mushroom characterized by its bell-shaped to conical cap that is often mottled with dark brown and light tan. The gills are free and darken with age, and the stem is slender and often has a banded appearance.
Key Identification Features
Field marks recorded for this species. Work through all of them, not just one:
- Cap: 1.5-5 cm wide, conical to bell-shaped, often mottled
- Gills: Free, dark brown to black with a lighter edge
- Stem: Slender, 5-10 cm tall, often with a banded appearance
- Spore print: Dark purple-brown
- Habitat: Commonly found in grassy areas and dung
Habitat & Distribution
Habitat: Grows in grasslands, particularly in fertilized soils and often found in dung.
Region: Found in temperate and tropical regions worldwide.
Seasonality
Fruits primarily in late spring to early fall.
Typical months: May-Oct
Common Lookalikes
Always verify identification to avoid these similar species:
- Panaeolus foenisecii (edible) - distinguishable by its lighter coloration and habitat preference for grassy areas without dung
- Panaeolus subbalteatus (unknown) - similar in appearance but typically has a more pronounced banding on the stem
- Copelandia spp. (high) - often found in similar habitats but generally larger and with a more pronounced blue staining
Related Species
Browse all species in the Mushroom Database â
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