522 



The Oak-loving Coi<IvYbia (Edibi,i:) 

 Collybia dryophila Bull. 



Although Collybia dryopJiila is called the oak-loving Collybia it 

 grows not only under oak trees but under most an}- kind of tree in 

 the woods as well as in open places. It is a very common plant and 

 so variable that it is very difficult to describe it in such a way as to 

 include all its forms. It is found in suitable weather from May to 

 October, and grows either singly or in clusters. 



The cap is 3 to 8 cm. (i to 3 inches) broad, convex or plane, or 

 sometimes depressed in the center and with the margin upturned. The 

 color varies from brown to bay-red or tan and usually becomes paler 

 with age. The cap is tough, slightly fleshy but thin, and sometimes 

 irregular in shape. The surface is normally smooth but sometimes 

 there are abnormal outgrowths of tissue upon it. The flesh is thin 

 and white. 



The gills are verv narrow, crowded close together, and very nearly 

 free from the stem but slightly attached by the upper angle (adnexed). 

 They are white or whitish or sometimes yellowish. 



The stem is 3 to 8 cm. (i to 3 inches) long, cylindrical or some- 

 what thickened at the base, firm and tough, smooth, hollow, usually 

 colored like the cap but sometimes inclining more to reddish. There 

 is no ring and no volva. 



This is considered an excellent mushroom by some, but perhaps 

 the greatest thing in its favor is its plenti fulness. One foreign author, 

 years ago, reported a case in which illness was caused by eating Col- 

 lybia dryophila, but it has been eaten for years in this country and has 

 not been known to make anv one ill. It mav therefore be considered 

 perfectly safe provided it is fresh and in good condition. 



Collected in Champaign countv. 



