Walnut Mycena

Description:

When young and fresh, Mycena luteopallens has a beautiful bright orange-yellow cap (representing the "luteo" in luteopallens), but the color soon fades to a dirty buff (the "pallens").

Habitat:

Only found growing on the remains of hickory and walnut shells. Found throughout eastern North America, west to Michigan.

Notes:

Spotted growing on the mossy bank of a dirt road in Kennesaw Mountain National Battlefield Park. While I did not see specific evidence of walnut or hickory shells, many large hardwoods, including hickory trees lined the road and were growing in the surrounds.