A clustered, reddish-brown Mycena on decayed hardwood logs that oozes purplish-red juice when the stem is broken, especially near the base. The cap fades from dark brownish red at the center to grayish pink at the margin. Its red pigments, the haematopodins, were the first pyrroloquinoline alkaloids found in fungi, and its mycelium and fruit bodies are weakly bioluminescent.
Edibility is not known definitively. Some sources call it edible but too small to be worth collecting; others consider it inedible or advise against it because related species may be toxic. Not recommended.
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Habitat
Saprobic on hardwood deadwood, rarely conifer wood, usually on well-decayed barkless logs; in dense clusters, sometimes alone or scattered. Causes a white rot. Spring through fall, and over winter in warm climates.
Distribution
Widespread and common in Europe and North America (from Alaska southward); also recorded from Japan and Venezuela.
Characteristics
Cap: 1-4 cm, oval when young, becoming broadly conic, bell-shaped or nearly convex; powdery when young, then bald and tacky; dark brownish red to reddish brown at the center, fading to grayish pink or whitish toward the margin. Gills: narrowly attached, close or nearly distant, whitish becoming grayish to purplish, often stained reddish brown. Stem: 4-8 cm long, 1-2 mm thick, equal, hollow, brownish red to nearly purple, exuding purplish red juice when broken. Spore print: white. Spores: 8-11 x 5-7 um, broadly elliptical, smooth, weakly to moderately amyloid (MushroomExpert.com).
