Hebeloma crustuliniforme (Bull.) Quél.
Champ. Jura Vosg. 1: 128. 1872.

Photo: Leaves and other debris tend to adhere to the viscid cap.

Common Name: Poison Pie

• Pileus

  Cap 4-9 cm broad, convex at first with inrolled margin, becoming plano-convex with a broad umbo, margin sometimes upturned in age; surface smooth, viscid when moist, cream to buff shading to a buff-brown disc; flesh thick, white; odor of radish, taste bitter.

• Lamellae

  Gills close, adnate to adnexed, white becoming pale brown, finely serrate, edges with droplets of liquid when young.

• Stipe

  Stipe 4-7 cm tall, 0.7-14 cm thick, equal to enlarged at the base, pallid to concolorous with cap, apex pruinose, i.e. covered with fine powdery granules; veil absent; solid; rhizomorphs usually seen at base.

• Spores

  Spores 9-12 x 6-7 µm, elliptical, slightly roughened. Spore print dull brown.

• Habitat

  Solitary, gregarious or in arcs and rings. Very common under Live Oak (Quercus agrifolia) and conifers (especially Monterey Pine) fruiting from after the fall rains to late winter; sporadic fruitings are sometimes seen during the summer in watered areas.

• Edibility

  Toxic. The unknown toxins cause a rather severe gastrointestinal syndrome.

• Comments

• Other Descriptions and Photos
  • Tom Duffy: Hebeloma crustuliniforme (CP)
  • Fred Stevens: Hebeloma crustuliniforme (CP)
  • Michael Wood: Hebeloma crustuliniforme (CP)
  • Michael Wood: Hebeloma crustuliniforme (CP)
  • Boleslaw Kuznik -- Hunting for Mushrooms: Hebeloma crustuliniforme (CP)
  • Ammirati et al.: p. 255 (D), fig. 132 (I), fig. 193 (CP)
  • Arora (1986): p. 464 (D & P)
  • Arora (1991): p. 146 (D & CP)
  • Benjamin: p. 362 (Toxicity Info), plate 22 (CP)
  • Breitenbach & Kränzlin (vol. 5): sp. 105 (D, I, & CP)
  • Jordan: p. 279 (D & CP)
  • Lincoff: p. 624 (D), plate 259 (CP)
  • McKenny et al.: p. 130 (D & CP)
  • Miller: sp. 245 (D & CP)
  • Phillips: p. 180 (D & CP)
  • Smith: sp. 144 (D & CP)

  (D=Description; I=Illustration; P=Photo; CP=Color Photo)