Mushroom Monday: Leucocoprinus cretaceus

Mushroom Monday: Leucocoprinus cretaceus

Today’s Mushroom Monday mushroom is Leucocoprinus cretaceus.  Learn about this warty mushroom in today’s TrueTreeTalk post.

What’s a Lepiotoid Mushroom?

Leucocoprinus cretaceus is a lepiotoid mushroom.  These types of mushrooms have some common characteristics including:

• Their spores leave white prints
• Their spores are generally dextrinoid and smooth.
• Their gills aren’t attached to their stems
• Their stems can have rings
• They usually don’t have a volva
• They are generally saprophytic

What do Leucocoprinus cretaceus Mushrooms Look Like?

Leucocoprinus cretaceus mushrooms are white.  Their caps, stem, and gills are all white.  When the mushroom is young, the stem and cap can have scales on them that look like warts.

The caps can range in size from around ¾ of an inch to a little over three inches.  They are round in shape and can be blocky and almost like a cylinder when the mushroom is young.  As it gets more mature, it becomes more convex and can flatten.  Although the cap is white, the center can have a darker tinge of color.

The gills and stem aren’t attached, and the gills are close together and white in color.

The stem is around an inch to a little more than three inches tall.  It’s generally thin but can be thicker at the base.  It has the same type of scales as the cap, with the same warty appearance.  It also has a fragile ring and mycelium at the base.

Where can Leucocoprinus cretaceus Mushrooms be Found?

Leucocoprinus cretaceus aren’t common.  When found outdoors, they can be seen in areas that are subtropical or tropical.  When found indoors, their range is larger.  They can be found growing in pots, planters, and greenhouses.  When seen, they can be found alone or with others and can be seen all year.  Although they appear to be uncommon in North America, they can be found in places like Florida and California.

What Type of Mushrooms are Leucocoprinus cretaceus and Are There Any Similar Ones?

Leucocoprinus cretaceus are saprophytic mushrooms and get nutrients from dead and decaying organic matter.

A similar mushroom is Leucocoprinus cepaestipes.  It differs in that its stem is bald, its cap is powdery, it’s not as rare, and it can be found outdoors in landscapes and woodchips.

If you liked learning about Leucocoprinus cretaceus mushrooms, check out our other Mushroom Monday posts on our TrueTreeTalk blog.  Follow us on Facebook to keep up with these and other posts.

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