BASIDIOMYCETES: Agaricales, Cortinariaceae

Deadly Gallerina, Gallerina autumnalis or Pholiota autumnalis

Basidiomycetes, order: Agaricales, family: Cortinariaceae

Height to 4"

The cap on this deadly species is up to 2½" wide, convex, becoming flattened, smooth, somewhat sticky when moist, and colored tan to yellow-orange. Stalk is hollow, pale brown above and darker below, and has a thin, membranous collar that may be stained brown by falling spores. Gills are attached, pale yellow-brown, becoming darker with age. Deadly Gallerinas grow on decaying wood in mixed woodlands throughout North America during the spring and fall. Poisonous and deadly! Also known as the Autumn Gallerina.