Plant Profile: Paxillus involutus

A fungus belonging to the Paxillaceae family, this mushroom can be discovered either alone or in clusters, typically growing on the forest floor or decaying wood within mixed hardwood and coniferous forests throughout the United States. Toxicity reports vary significantly; while it is deemed edible in the western regions, it is not considered safe in the eastern parts of the country. European sources classify it as highly toxic. At present, it is regarded as potentially fatal and should not be ingested.

Identification Checklist: