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Stropharia crown belongs to the lamellar mushrooms from the Hymenogasteraceae family. It has several names: red, decorated, crown ringlet. Latin name: Stropharia coronilla.
What does crown stropharia look like?
The variability in the color of the cap and plates is misleading for many mushroom pickers.
The pulp has a dense structure and is white or yellowish in color.
Description of the cap
Only young representatives can boast of a conical shape of the cap; mature ones have an outstretched, smooth surface. In some cases, you may notice the presence of small scales. The diameter depends on the age of the mushroom body and ranges from 2-8 cm.
When you cut the cap, you will find that it is hollow inside. The color is uneven: lighter at the edges, darker towards the center. During the rainy season, the cap acquires an oily sheen. Plates are not often placed on the inside. They may be unevenly attached to the base or fit tightly.
Description of the leg
The leg of crown stropharia has the shape of a cylinder, slightly tapering towards the base. In young specimens the leg is solid, but becomes hollow with age.
The color of the ring is given by crumbling ripe spores. In older specimens the ring disappears.
Another characteristic feature of red stropharia is that root shoots are visible on the stem, going deep into the ground.
Is the mushroom edible or not?
Due to its low prevalence, the species has not been studied. There is no exact data on the edibility of the mushroom. In some sources the species is listed as conditionally edible, in others it is classified as poisonous. Experienced mushroom pickers advise to beware of brightly colored specimens, because the richer the color of the cap, the more dangerous they can be to health. In order not to expose yourself and your family to the risk of poisoning, it is better to refuse to collect and prepare crown stropharia.
Where and how does it grow
This species loves manure, so it is most often found in pastures. Selects sandy soil, very rarely grows on decaying wood.Stropharia crown prefers flat terrain, but the appearance of mushrooms is also noted in low mountains.
Usually there are single specimens, sometimes small groups. Large families are not formed. The appearance of mushrooms is noted towards the end of summer, fruiting continues until the first frost.
In Russia, crown stropharia can be found in the Leningrad, Vladimir, Samara, Ivanovo, and Arkhangelsk regions, as well as in the Krasnodar Territory and Crimea.
Doubles and their differences
Crown stropharia can be confused with other species of this family.
Stropharia shit differs in smaller sizes. The maximum diameter of the cap is 2.5 cm. It has more brownish shades, in contrast to the lemon-yellow specimens of crown stropharia. When damaged, the flesh does not turn blue. According to some sources, the mushroom is classified as hallucinogenic, so it is not eaten.
Stropharia hornemann has a red-brown cap, there may be a shade of yellow or gray. The ring on the stem is light in color and disintegrates quickly. Refers to conditionally edible mushrooms. After a long boil, the bitterness disappears and the mushrooms are eaten. Some sources indicate that the species is poisonous, so it is better to refrain from collecting.
Sky blue stropharia has a matte blue cap color mixed with ocher spots. Young mushrooms have a ring on the stem, but disappear with old age. It is classified as conditionally edible, but it is better to avoid collecting it to avoid digestive upset.
Conclusion
Stropharia crown is a species of mushroom that has not been properly studied. There is no data confirming its edibility. Found in fields and pastures fertilized with manure.Appears after rains in the second half of summer, grows until frost.
