MushieSheathed woodtuft (Kuehneromyces mutabilis)
Edible with caution
The sheathed woodtuft grows in clusters on stumps, with a two-tone cap and a scaly stem below the ring. It looks very like the deadly funeral bell.
| Scientific name | Kuehneromyces mutabilis |
|---|---|
| Other names | Stockschwämmchen · Pholiote changeante |
| Family | Strophariaceae |
| Season | Apr – Nov |
| Habitat | Dense clusters on stumps and logs of broadleaf trees |
| Range | Europe and North America |
| Spore print | Rusty brown |
| Smell | Pleasant, mushroomy |
How to identify Sheathed woodtuft
| Cap | Two-toned: dark cinnamon when wet, drying pale honey from the centre outwards, 2–6 cm |
|---|---|
| Underside | Cream, then rusty-brown gills |
| Stem | Ring, with fine scales below the ring, smooth above |
| Smell | Pleasant, mushroomy |
| Spore print | Rusty brown |
Is Sheathed woodtuft edible or poisonous?
Edible with caution. Edible in the opinion of field guides, but often confused with the deadly funeral bell. Not suitable for beginners.
Sheathed woodtuft look-alikes
Funeral bell: smooth stem below the ring, mealy smell.
When does Sheathed woodtuft grow?
Sheathed woodtuft is typically found Apr – Nov in dense clusters on stumps and logs of broadleaf trees. See other mushrooms in season:
Frequently asked questions
Is Sheathed woodtuft edible?
Sheathed woodtuft (Kuehneromyces mutabilis) is regarded as edible only with caution. Edible in the opinion of field guides, but often confused with the deadly funeral bell. Not suitable for beginners. Never eat a wild mushroom based on an app or a website. Confirm identification and edibility in person with a qualified local expert.
What does Sheathed woodtuft look like?
Two-toned: dark cinnamon when wet, drying pale honey from the centre outwards, 2–6 cm. Underside: cream, then rusty-brown gills. Stem: ring, with fine scales below the ring, smooth above.
What are the look-alikes of Sheathed woodtuft?
The main look-alike is Funeral bell (Galerina marginata). Funeral bell: smooth stem below the ring, mealy smell.
When and where does Sheathed woodtuft grow?
Sheathed woodtuft is usually found from Apr to Nov. Habitat: dense clusters on stumps and logs of broadleaf trees. Range: Europe and North America.
Found something like sheathed woodtuft?
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Related species
Sources and credits: written from standard field-guide references. Further reading: Wikipedia: Kuehneromyces mutabilis. Last updated 2026-10-22. Editorial policy.