A whitish to pale gray, pink-spored mushroom with decurrent gills and a strong mealy odor, found in woods and grassy openings. It is the type species of Clitopilus. It is a well-regarded edible but closely resembles poisonous white Clitocybe species and some toxic Entoloma, so a spore print and careful checking of gill attachment are essential.
Edible and well regarded (Wikipedia; MykoWeb), but only with certain identification. Poisonous look-alikes: white Clitocybe species such as C. dealbata and C. rivulosa (muscarine), which have white spore prints, and Entoloma species (many toxic), whose gills are notched rather than decurrent. Always take a spore print.
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Habitat
On the ground, alone to gregarious, under hardwoods or conifers, in open woods and grassy areas. Summer and fall, or winter in warm climates.
Distribution
Apparently widespread in North America (MushroomExpert); also in Europe and recorded from parts of Asia and North Africa (Wikipedia).
Characteristics
Cap: 3-12 cm, convex with an inrolled margin, becoming flat or irregular and wavy; dry, finely suede-like; white, buff or pale gray. Gills: decurrent, close to nearly distant, whitish then pinkish. Stem: 2-8 cm long, up to 1.5 cm thick, sometimes off-center, white to pale gray. Flesh: white, firm, unchanging. Odor and taste: strongly mealy (farinaceous). Spore print: brownish pink. Spores: 8-12 x 4-6 um, with longitudinal ridges, angular in end view.
