Pholiota squarrosa

Pholiota squarrosa
Scientific classification
Domain:	Eukaryota
Kingdom:	Fungi
Division:	Basidiomycota
Class:	Agaricomycetes
Order:	Agaricales
Family:	Strophariaceae
Genus:	Pholiota
Species:	P. squarrosa
Binomial name
Pholiota squarrosa (Oeder) Kumm. (1871)
Synonyms[1]
Agaricus squarrosus Oeder (1770)

Species of fungus

Pholiota squarrosa Mycological characteristics
	Gills on hymenium
	Cap is convex or flat
	Hymenium is adnate or sinuate
	Stipe has a ring
	Spore print is brown
	Ecology is parasitic
	Edibility is not recommended

Pholiota squarrosa, commonly known as the shaggy scalycap, the shaggy Pholiota, or the scaly Pholiota, is a species of mushroom in the family Strophariaceae. Common in North America and Europe, it is a secondary parasite, in that it attacks trees that have already been weakened from prior injury or infection by bacteria or other fungi. It has a wide range of hosts among deciduous trees, although it can also infect conifers. It can also live as a saprobe, deriving nutrients from decomposing wood.

The mushroom is typically found growing in clusters at the base of trees and stumps.^[2] Both the cap and the stem are covered in small, pointed scales that are pointed downward and backward. The crowded gills are yellowish, then later rust-brown. The mushroom has an odor that, depending on the author, has been described as resembling garlic, lemon, radish, onion, or skunk. It has a strong taste, resembling radishes. Though edible to some, it may be toxic, especially if consumed in combination with alcohol. The mushroom contains unique chemicals thought to help it infect plants by neutralizing defensive responses employed by them. The very similar P. squarrosoides differs in having a paler cap that is sticky between the scales, and smaller spores.