Community find

Honey Fungus / Honey Mushroom

Armillaria mellea

Group

gilled mushroom

Season

Late summer to late autumn, especially after rain.

Habitat

Found singly, in clusters, or large aggregations on living or dead deciduous and coniferous trees, stumps, and buried wood. It is a parasitic species, causing white rot in wood, but can also be saprophytic.

Key characteristics

Cap: Typically 2-15 cm wide, convex to flattened, often with a central uplift (umbo) when young, expanding to flat or slightly depressed with age. Color ranges from yellow-brown to reddish-brown, often darker in the center, and can be covered with small, darker scales, especially when young. Gills: White to yellowish, adnate to slightly decurrent, becoming spotted with age. Stem: 5-20 cm long and 1-3 cm thick, fibrous, often tapering towards the base, with a prominent ring (annulus) that starts white and darkens with age. Spore Print: White to creamy.

Look-alikes

Several species of Armillaria look similar, and distinguishing between them can be challenging without microscopic examination or genetic analysis. Galerina marginata (Deadly Galerina) is a deadly toxic mushroom that can resemble younger honey mushrooms and grows on wood. Pholiota species may also be confused, but generally have a more scaly cap and stem.

Ecological role

Armillaria mellea is a parasitic fungus that causes 'white rot' disease in trees, leading to the weakening and eventual death of infected hosts. It can infect a wide range of tree species, both coniferous and broadleaf. It is also a saprophyte, breaking down dead wood and recycling nutrients back into the ecosystem.