Home / Species Database / Common Psathyrella

How to Identify Common Psathyrella

Psathyrella candolleana
EDIBILITY UNRECORDED Season // May-Oct Family // Psathyrellaceae

Description

Psathyrella candolleana is a small to medium-sized mushroom with a conical to bell-shaped cap that is typically brown to grayish in color. The gills are free and closely spaced, and the stem is slender and often has a slightly bulbous base.

Key Identification Features

Field marks recorded for this species. Work through all of them, not just one:

  • Cap is conical to bell-shaped, measuring 1-5 cm in diameter.
  • Gills are free, closely spaced, and light gray to white.
  • Stem is slender, typically 5-10 cm tall, and may have a slight bulbous base.
  • Spore print is dark brown to black.
  • Flesh is thin and fragile.

Specimen Profile

FamilyPsathyrellaceae
GenusPsathyrella
EdibilityEdibility unrecorded
Toxicitynone
SeasonMay-Oct
HabitatGrows in grassy areas, often in clusters on decaying wood or in leaf litter.
RegionFound in temperate regions worldwide, particularly in North America and Europe.

Habitat & Distribution

Habitat: Grows in grassy areas, often in clusters on decaying wood or in leaf litter.

Region: Found in temperate regions worldwide, particularly in North America and Europe.

Seasonality

Typically fruits from late spring to early fall.

Typical months: May-Oct

Common Lookalikes

Always verify identification to avoid these similar species. The differentiator is the point — learn the one or two tells that separate them:

Psathyrella gracilis (unknown)

HOW TO TELL APART

Distinguished by its more slender form and lighter coloration.

Mycena spp. (various statuses)

HOW TO TELL APART

Mycena species often have a more pronounced umbo on the cap and different gill attachment.

Coprinopsis atramentaria (edible)

HOW TO TELL APART

Known as the inky cap, it has a different cap shape and gill structure.

BROWSE ALL SPECIES →

Track your Common Psathyrella finds

Pin the patch before you leave it. Coordinates, photos, and field notes stay on your device — and the offline lookalike guide travels with you into the deep woods.

Download Mushroom Tracker

Disclaimer: This guide is for educational purposes only. Never consume a wild mushroom unless you are 100% certain of its identification.