⚠ If you suspect ingestion of this species, call Poison Control immediately:
1-800-222-1222 (US) · poison.org
1-800-222-1222 (US) · poison.org
Key Identification Features
- White cap (5–15 cm) flattening with age
- brown to grayish-brown scales concentrated at cap center
- gills pink when young turning dark brown with age
- skirt-like ring on white stem
- stem base and cap flesh stains yellow when cut or bruised (key toxic indicator)
- unpleasant phenolic/inky odor. Found in coastal CA under Monterey cypress, eucalyptus, and mixed urban plantings.
Symptoms & Toxicity
Causes significant GI distress — nausea, vomiting, cramps within 30 min–2 hours. Not life-threatening but unpleasant. Yellow staining reaction in flesh is the key warning sign.
Regions Found
Region data not available
Look-Alikes
No documented look-alikes on record.
Safety disclaimer: This page is for educational purposes only. Never eat a wild mushroom based solely on online information. Always verify identification using multiple reliable field guides and, when possible, consult an experienced forager or mycologist. When in doubt, don't eat it. Spore & Scout accepts no responsibility for identification errors or adverse reactions. If you believe someone has ingested a toxic mushroom, call Poison Control (1-800-222-1222) immediately.