About this fungus
Large White Leucopaxillus is a fungus in the Tricholomataceae family. Its habitat and field characteristics are summarised below.
A dense, tough, white forest mushroom that can form arcs and persists unusually long without rotting.
What to check
Look for close gills that can separate from the cap flesh as a layer, a dense white mycelial mat around the stem base and ornamented amyloid spores under a microscope.
Variation
The cap may remain white or age cream, pinkish buff or tan. Several named varieties and allied species differ in colour, proportions and microscopic features.
Lookalikes
Large white funnels can resemble it but are usually less tough. Leucopaxillus gentianeus and members of the L. albissimus group require closer study.
Habitat and range
North American woodland species or species group, most often on conifer litter but also reported with hardwoods. Ecology is described as saprotrophic by some sources and possibly mycorrhizal by others.
Food safety
Inedible.