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Are there any fungus experts around?

WoodsieWoodsie Posts: 61
in Plants
These mushrooms / toadstools have recently appeared in one of my large plant pots!  The caps were initially white but have become slightly more ivory in colour.  Their gills are decurrent and the stipe is mildly striated.  I suspect that it might be “The Miller” (Clitopilus prunulus”) but, having dogs, I would like to confirm that it’s not the rather poisonous Clitocybe sp.  Any help from more experienced fungal experts would be very much appreciated.  Thanks in advance ~ Woodsie.

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  • FairygirlFairygirl Posts: 55,117
    @Ante1 and @wild edges are both very knowledgeable, so if they see my tag on their names, they'll hopefully be able to help  :)
    It's a place where beautiful isn't enough of a word....



    I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
  • McRazzMcRazz Posts: 440
    @Uff knows their stuff
  • caresucculentcaresucculent Posts: 3

    Hi woodsie ,

    While it's always best to consult with a local fungal expert or mycologist for accurate identification, I can offer some general guidance that may help you distinguish between "The Miller" (Clitopilus prunulus) and potentially poisonous Clitocybe species.

    "The Miller" typically has caps that are white to cream or light beige. The caps may become slightly more ivory or tan as they mature. Poisonous Clitocybe species can have a range of cap colors, including bright colors like yellow, orange, or blue.

    "The Miller" has decurrent gills, which means they extend slightly down the stem. This is an important characteristic to note. Poisonous Clitocybe species may have different gill attachments, but it's crucial to observe the gill arrangement.

  • steephillsteephill Posts: 2,841
    edited July 2023
    It is difficult to identify any fungi simply based on photos so be very careful and do not attempt to eat anything you cannot guarantee has been positively identified correctly in person by a mycologist as edible. You cannot trust the opinion of some random person on the internet.
    So here is my guess as a random person on the internet.
    The stem looks too thin for The Miller and although the gills are decurrent they are not as deeply decurrent as those of The Miller. The smell might also give a clue - The Miller should smell of raw dough.
    The large size of the caps makes Giant Funnel a possibilty - Leucopaxillus giganteus.

  • babydolla47babydolla47 Posts: 13
    Very similar plant appeared in my garden last week.
  • WoodsieWoodsie Posts: 61
    Thank you all for your comments.  I did an overnight spore print and they are white.  Steephill’s suggestion of Leucopaxillus certainly looks viable.
  • DaveGreigDaveGreig Posts: 189
    Genuine question: Do dogs actually eat fungus? None of mine to my knowledge ever have or have even been observed to show any interest in it. This is just as well because my local forest is full of it, to the extent that people with clipboards can be seen there in the autumn cataloguing the different types.

    My current dog will eat grapes and chocolate which are both bad for her so I’m not one of those folk that think of dogs having innate knowledge of what they should and shouldn’t eat, but fungus, that adds a whole new layer of hazard to doggy care.
  • WoodsieWoodsie Posts: 61
    Dear DaveGreig ~ thanks for your comment.  I also am not sure if our dogs are prone to eating fungi but I just wanted to ensure that our two Staffies (one of whom is a voracious “snuffler”) are not tempted!  Best wishes ~ Woodsie.
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