Clouded Funnel

Habitat

This common and widespread mushroom grows on the ground in soil, leaf litter, and forest duff. It is found in both deciduous and coniferous woodlands, including redwood forests and low-elevation maple-alder-cedar stands. The species typically grows in small groups, troops, large rings, or arcs, and is occasionally found solitary.

Photos

Appearance

Cap

5–20 cm across; initially convex with an inrolled margin, becoming flattened, slightly depressed, or occasionally wavy and uplifted with age. Surface is cloudy grey, brownish-grey, or greyish-white, often covered in a fine white bloom or moldy-looking fuzz. May feature dark greyish spots or streaks near the margin.

Stem

50–150 mm long by 15–40 mm thick; stout and fibrous, often tapering upwards or swollen/bulbous at the base. Color is white to pale grey or tan, sometimes with darker scales at the top and white woolly mycelium at the base. Becomes hollow and brittle with age.

Gills

Crowded to moderately spaced; attached to slightly decurrent. Color ranges from white to pale cream, maturing to a dingy beige, tan, or yellowish-grey.

Flesh

Thick, white, and unchanging; fibrous-fleshy in texture.

Odor

Strong and highly distinctive; described variously as sweet and fruity, cheesy (like ripe Brie), or unpleasant and musky (resembling skunk, swamp gas, or rancid flour).

Spore print

White to pale cream or pale yellow.

Edibility

The edibility of this mushroom is disputed; while some rate it as good when young, it is known to cause gastric upset in many people and allergic reactions in others. It contains an adenosine-like compound called nebularin, which may contribute to its inconsistent reputation for safety. The flavor and odor are strong and distinctive, variously described as sweet, fruity, and cheesy like Brie, or more unpleasantly as musty, skunky, or rancid. It can be confused with the poisonous Livid Pinkgill (Entoloma sinuatum), though that lookalike has pinkish gills and spores and lacks the decurrent gill attachment.

Nutrient Source

It obtains nutrients by breaking down dead organic matter in the soil, such as fallen leaves and twigs.

Common Names

Danish

Tåge-tragthat

Dutch

Nevelzwam

English

Clouded Funnel, Clouded Agaric

Finnish

härmämalikka

French

Clitocybe nébuleux

German

Graukappe, Nebeltrichterling

Norwegian Bokmål

puddertraktsopp

Norwegian Nynorsk

puddertrektsopp

Swedish

pudrad trattskivling

Welsh

Twmffat/Twndish Niwl

Synonyms

• Agaricus nebularis
• Clitocybe alba
• Clitocybe nebularis
• Clitocybe stenophylla
• Gymnopus nebularis
• Lepista nebularis
• Omphalia nebularis