Notice the ring on the stem in the above picture. F. velutipes does not have a ring; the mushrooms in these pictures are of Galerina marginata, the Deadly Galerina.
In a previous post about F. velutipes, I spent a little time wondering why it was (presumably) the only mushroom that grew during Minnesota's winter. I now know that it is not the only mushroom. I read the species account for G. marginata at Mushroom Expert and it definitely mentions that this mushroom can be found in winter months. I wonder how many other mushrooms can be found sprouting in the snow?
I think it's an odd coincidence that the two mushrooms I have found growing in the winter look so similar. They both grow in cluster on wood and they are both smaller orange mushrooms. Differences include:
- a ring on the stem for G. marginata (often dissapears in age).
- no ring on F. velutipes, but sports a blackish velvety base.
- G. marginata has brown spore prints.
- F. velutipes has white spore prints.
- G. marginata is deadly poisonous.
- F. velutipes is edible.
Anyone know of any other mushrooms that can be found in the winter in Minnesota?