Central PA, growing under pine sapling and near oak.

[Harmonix]

Hey all again,

Got another one I was hoping to get some help with! Found beneath a pine sapling, maybe 20 feet from an oak as well. Cap was leathery and appeared almost metallic in sunlight, no unique smell, stipe was incredibly tough. Veil was very thick and present. Fruited in multiple spots, but not more than a few together. Currently printing.

The last picture is another specimen growing next to the larger one pictured.

Thanks again!

[JOHNY]

I vote for Wine Cap, Stropharia rugosoanulata...brownish cap because it did not grow in shade.

A dark purple/black spore print might confirm.

 

[Harmonix]

Hi Johny,

Thanks a bunch for the reply and help!  That’s what I was leaning toward in my field guide, but it only included the wine-red coloration. I didn’t know that about the sunlight and shade correlation. I managed to get a decent print and it is very purple. The gills themselves darkened slightly, but not much. 
 

Thanks again for the help!

[Dave W]

What an interesting habitat for Stropharia rugosoannulata! Usually this species is found in wood chips, woody debris, mulch, yard waste, yards, or compost piles. But I've never seen it in a coniferous forest setting.  

[CajunShroomer3578]

I’m guessing that these were growing next to pine sapling in the yard where mulch was present???

[Harmonix]

Hi Dave,

It wasn’t too far from where there used to be a mulch bed.  I’m sure a mower or something threw some over there and I just didn’t notice it using it as its substrate. Getting a lot popping through now!

Thanks again! 

1 minute ago, CajunShroomer3578 said:

I’m guessing that these were growing next to pine sapling in the yard where mulch was present???

Exactly! There are now stones there, but there are definitely some mulch remnants around still where they are growing.  You guys nailed it!

[Dave W]

Nice call Cajun!