Paxillus involutus (Poison Pax)
Family
Paxillaceae
Location
North America, Europe
Dimensions
Cap 5-12 cm diameter, stem 3-7 cm tall * 0.8-1.2 cm diameter
Edibility
This site contains no information about the edibility or toxicity of mushrooms.
Description
Paxillus involutus, also known as Poison Pax, is a medium to large, widely distributed, variable species with a strongly inrolled, yellow- to red-brown cap and crowded, decurrent gills extended down on the firm stem. The mushroom grows solitary or in trooping groups on soil in leaf woods.

Cap initially convex then more funnel-shaped with a depressed centre and rolled rim, may be reddish-, yellowish- or olive-brown in colour. The surface is initially downy and later smooth, becoming sticky when wet. Gills brownish yellow, narrow, decurrent (running down the stem), and can be peeled easily from the flesh. They further down toward the stem become more irregular and anastomose. If the gills are bruised they very rapidly turn rusty brown. Stem is similarly coloured as the cap, however bruising darker brown. It is smooth, equal or tapering downwards. The stem has no ring. Spore print purplish brown to yellow-brown..

Microscopic Features: The spores are ellipsoidal and smooth, measuring 7.5-9 x 5-6µm.

Paxillus involutus on the First Nature Web site.
Paxillus involutus on the MushroomExpert.Com Web site.

Many mushrooms are poisonous, and some can be lethally toxic. Distinguishing between edible and poisonous mushrooms can be very challenging. Therefore, we strongly advise against consuming wild mushrooms. This website does not contain any information about the edibility or toxicity of mushrooms.

Although efforts have been made to ensure accuracy on this website, the information may contain errors and omissions. Therefore, all content provided is for educational and informational purposes only and should not be relied upon or used as a basis for consuming any plants or mushrooms.

Links to external websites that provide information about mushrooms are included for reference purposes only. We do not endorse, or assume responsibility for the information, content, or recommendations provided on these external sites.