Cluster Brittlestem

Physical Characteristics

Cap: 2-7 cm in diameter, initially bell-shaped and reddish-brown, fading to buff or pale brown with age. Smooth, often hygrophanous (changes color with moisture). Gills: Adnate to adnexed, close, initially whitish, becoming purplish-brown to blackish with white edges. Stem: 4-10 cm long, 3-8 mm thick, fragile, whitish, often hollow, and may have a faint ring zone from the partial veil which typically disappears quickly. Spore print: Dark purplish-brown. Flesh: Whitish, thin, and fragile.

Habitat & Growing Conditions

Saprophytic, growing in dense clusters on decaying hardwood logs, stumps, and buried wood. Can sometimes appear on disturbed ground where wood debris is present. Prefers moist conditions.

Season & Fruiting Time

Late spring, summer, and autumn, often fruiting after periods of rain.

Similar Looking Species

P. candolleana (Common Crumble Cap) has a paler cap, often with veil remnants on the cap margin, and usually grows scattered or in smaller groups. P. conopilea (Conical Brittlestem) has a distinctly conical cap. Other small, brown Psathyrella species can be difficult to distinguish without microscopic examination.

Ecological Role

Decomposer (saprophytic). It plays a crucial role in the decomposition of dead hardwood, cycling nutrients back into the ecosystem, which is vital for forest health.

Identified on: 11/3/2025

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