Community find

Shaggy scalycap

Pholiota squarrosa

Group

Gilled mushroom

Season

It is typically found from late summer through autumn, often after periods of rain.

Habitat

This mushroom is saprophytic and typically grows in dense clusters or singly on dead or decaying hardwood, especially deciduous trees, but can occasionally be found on conifers. It can also appear at the base of living trees, and sometimes on buried wood. It prefers moist, wooded areas.

Key characteristics

The Shaggy Scalycap typically has a cap that is 5-15 cm in diameter, initially convex but flattening with age, often with a broad umbo. It is yellowish to tawny brown and covered with prominent, erect, shaggy, darker brown scales, especially noticeable when young. The gills are adnate to adnexed, close, and initially yellowish, becoming rusty brown with age. The stem is 5-15 cm long and 1-2.5 cm thick, roughly cylindrical or tapering downwards, often with a ring that is also shaggy and scaly below. The flesh is yellowish to brownish. Spore print is rusty brown.

Look-alikes

Several species can be confused with Pholiota squarrosa. Pholiota squarrosoides (Scaly Pholiota) is very similar but has a stickier cap and smoother, less shaggy scales, often found on both hardwoods and conifers. Pholiota adiposa (Golden Scalycap) has a yellower, slimy cap and smaller scales. Pholiota aurivella looks somewhat similar but typically has a more golden, slimy cap and is less shaggy.

Ecological role

Pholiota squarrosa is a saprophytic fungus, meaning it plays a crucial role in the decomposition of dead wood, breaking down complex organic matter and returning nutrients to the soil. This process is vital for forest ecosystems, contributing to nutrient cycling and the creation of new soil.