Spotted Toughshank

Collybia maculata

Coniferous forests, especially old mossy pine forests. Summer, especially autumn.

Fruiting bodies medium to large. Cap 5-10 cm across, flattened, with a blunt umbo, matt, firm, white, whitish, yellowish-white with reddish-brown spots. Gills very crowded, narrow, white, yellowish, rust-spotted, adnate or free. Stem 5-10 (12)x1-2 cm, cartilaginous, twisted, firm, white, tapering at the base. Flesh fairly thick, firm, white, with an unpleasant smell and bitter taste. Characteristic features: fruiting bodies white, yellowish, firm, tough, spores round, small. Grows singly or in small groups. Inedible because of its bitterness. Common. Similar to white-coloured knights (Tricholoma), but, being of firm consistency, it is easily recognised. Inedible.