Brick Top Mushroom

(Hypholoma lateritium)
(*synonyms: Hypholoma sublateritium
and Naemotoloma sublateritium)

Other Names:
Brick cap, bricktop, bricktops

Range:


Family:
Strophariaceae

Growth Type:
This species of Hypholoma has a large cap, and grows in large clusters at the base of deciduous stumps or logs.

Cap:
The 2 - 4 inch wide cap is brick red colored fading to a tan/cream colored margin.

Stem:
The thick sturdy stem is 1-1/2 - 4 inches tall, up to 5/8 inch wide, and has a fibrous surface.

Gills/Tubes:
Gills: Grayish purple in color

Spores:
6-7 X 4-4.5 µ; elliptical, smooth, with oore at tip.

Spore Print:
Purple-brown

Height:
1-1/2 - 4 inches tall

Miscellaneous characteristics:
Partial veil, leaving zone of fibrils on stipe. As this mushroom ages, it becomes unpalatable.

Season:
Autumn

Habitat:
Growing in clusters at the base of deciduous stumps and logs

Parts Used:
Fruiting body

Cautions:
None

Edibility:
Good