Shaggy scalycap

Description:

Caps of Pholiota squarrosa are 4 to 12 cm in diameter, yellow-ochre or straw-yellow, covered in upturned triangular brown scales in more or less concentric rings. Convex at first, the caps flatten with age but retain an in-rolled margin. The cap flesh is very pale yellow, and it is quite firm. The crowded adnate gills of the shaggy scalycap are pale greyish yellow at first, becoming cinnamon as the spores mature. 7 to 15 mm in diameter and 6 to 15 cm tall, the stem has a distinctly scaly ring below which it is covered in scales very similar to those on the cap. The upper section of the stem above the ring is paler and smooth.

Habitat:

Pholiota squarrosa is saprobic or possibly weakly parasitic. It can be found in small clusters at the base of stumps or standing living or dead broad-leaf trees, particularly beech. Also occasionally it can be found at the base of conifer stumps.

Notes:

Spotted at the base of a living beech (Fagus sylvatica) in a broadleaf forest in rural area of Colmschate, Holland. (sources:see reference)