Habitat
This fungus grows on the trunks and branches of deciduous trees, with a strong and nearly exclusive preference for beech. It can be found high up in the canopy or covering fallen logs, functioning as both a saprobiont on dead wood and a weak parasite on living trees. It typically grows in tufts and is widespread across temperate regions where host trees are native.
Photos
Appearance
- Cap
- White to ivory and translucent, measuring 2 to 10 cm across. It is initially convex then flattens out, often with a slight central bump and a wrinkled or wavy surface. It is distinctive for its extremely slimy, porcelain-like coating.
- Stem
- Slender and measuring 3 to 10 cm long, it is often curved or cylindrical with a slightly bulbous base. It features a persistent, membrane-like ring near the top; the surface is white above this ring and darker or scaly below.
- Gills
- Broad and very widely spaced, colored white to pale yellowish. They are attached directly to the stem and may slightly run down it.
- Flesh
- White, thin, and soft with a slimy texture.
- Spore print
- White.
- Smell and taste
- Very faint and mild, virtually indistinct.
Sporecast is better in the app
Plan ahead with 10-day forecasts, see what people are finding nearby, get photo IDs, and track your finds.
Edibility
The thick slime layer should be removed by washing or wiping before consumption. Only the larger caps are worth harvesting, as the stems are too tough for eating. This species has a mild, faint taste and soft flesh.
Misidentification can be fatal. Never eat a mushroom unless you're 100% sure. This information may be inaccurate. Always consult multiple sources.
Nutrient Source
SaprotrophicThis species obtains nutrients by decomposing dead organic matter, such as fallen leaves and decaying wood.
Common Names
- Danish
- Porcelænshat
- Dutch
- Porseleinzwam
- English
- Porcelain Fungus
- French
- Collybie visqueuse
- German
- Beringter Schleimrübling
- Norwegian Bokmål
- porselenshatt
- Norwegian Nynorsk
- porselenshatt
- Swedish
- porslinsskivling
- Welsh
- Cap Porslen
Synonyms
- Agaricus mucidus
- Agaricus olivaceofuscus
- Armillaria epigaea
- Armillaria mucida
- Armillaria mucida
- Collybia mucida
- Hypophyllum mucidum
- Lepiota mucida
- Mastoleucomyces mucidus
- Mucidula venosolamellata
- Oudemansiella mucida — Porcelain Fungus
- Oudemansiella venosolamellata