492 



Thk Scaly Pholiota (Edibi^e;) 

 Phuliota squarrusa Bull. 



This handsome and conspicuous mushroom occurs in small or large 

 clusters on the trunks uf trees, stumps, etc. or on the ground where 

 there are buried roots or other decaying wood. It is often c|uite com- 

 mon and may be looked for from jidy to December, though it is 

 usually not abundant until after the middle of August. It is easily 

 identitied and can cjften be seen from a considerable distance, especially 

 in the latter part of the season after the leaves have fallen. 



The cap is 3 to 12 cm. (1 t(^ 5 inches) broad, fleshy, convex to 

 bell-shaped and then flattened, or sometimes with the margin upturned, 

 and usual!}- with a prominent elcAation at the center. The surface is 

 dry, and the ground-color- is yellowish or rusty but covered bv' numer- 

 ous persistent dark brown scales. The flesh is rather thin, quite com- 

 pact, and pale yellow in color. 



The gills are rather narrow, close together, attached t(j the stem 

 and with a tooth decurrent on the stem. They are at first yellowish 

 or olive and later become rusty brown. The spores are rust-color. 



The stem is 7 to 20 cm. (3 to 8 inches) long, nearlv cylindrical 

 but often tapering to a rather small base. The color is the same as 

 that of the cap and the stem is clothed with scales, like those of the 

 cap, up as far as the ring. The ring is near the top of the stem, downy 

 and sometimes ragged, and of the same color as the scales. There is 

 no volva. 



The odor of this plant is sometimes rather disagreeable, but in 

 some specimens it is scarcely noticeable. The taste of the young caps 

 is sweet and mealv. As thev Ijecome more mature thev are less pala- 

 table, and should be used, therefore, when young. The young cap'^ 

 when cooked are of excellent flavor. 



Collected in Champaign county. 



