Galerina Marginata, A Portrait

Day 18: Galerina marginata (sometimes listed as G. autumnalis) has several edible look-alikes, but its common name of "Funeral Bell" should give you a clue as to what will occur if you confuse it with any of them. A couple of distinguishing features will help you sort it out, but remember: it's better to throw away an edible species than to consume a poisonous one, so play it safe. If you see evidence of an annulus (ring) or roughness on the stipe (stem) which would hint that a ring might have existed, the 'shroom in question is most likely Galerina marginata. Also examine the gills. If they are lightly decurrent (i.e., running down the stem) or attached to the stipe (as opposed to notched), do NOT add one to your basket to take home for further analysis! Even in small amounts (residual spores, etc.), G. marginata can be deadly. That said, this common species is a potent decomposer, growing abundantly in colonies on rotting evergreen and hardwood, breaking down the wood structure with its mycelium. Even poisonous 'shrooms play a role in the Circle of Life in the forest. Let them do their job.