Extract from Wikipedia article: Echinoderma asperum or Lepiota aspera, sometimes known commonly as the freckled dapperling, is a large, brownish, white-gilled mushroom, with a warty or scaly cap. It lives in woodland, or on bark chips in parks, and gardens.
Echinoderma asperum is a species of mushroom that belongs to the family Agaricaceae. It has a small to medium-sized cap that ranges from 1-4 cm in diameter, with a wavy or lobed margin and a surface that is covered in tiny spines or scales. The gills are free from the stem and the spores are brown. In East and Central Texas, Echinoderma asperum can be found growing in fields, meadows, and along roadsides, typically in areas with rich soil and abundant vegetation. It fruits from spring to fall, often in association with grasses and other herbaceous plants. The species is considered rare to uncommon in the region.
Freckled dapperling mushrooms (Echinoderma asperum) on Kiwanis Nature Trail. College Station, Texas, November 15, 2017 752 Francis Dr, College Station, TX 77840, USA
Freckled dapperling mushrooms (Echinoderma asperum) in a forest on Kiwanis Nature Trail. College Station, Texas, November 15, 2017 Kiwanis Nature Trail, College Station, Brazos County, Texas, 77843, United States
Group of freckled dapperling mushrooms (Echinoderma asperum) on Kiwanis Nature Trail. College Station, Texas, November 15, 2017 Kiwanis Nature Trail, College Station, Brazos County, Texas, 77843, United States
Freckled dapperling mushroom (Echinoderma asperum) in Bee Creek Park. College Station, Texas, November 16, 2017 1601 Valley View Dr, College Station, TX 77840, USA
Freckled dapperling mushrooms (Echinoderma asperum, Lepiota aspera) on Kiwanis Nature Trail. College Station, Texas, April 6, 2018 904 Ashburn Ave, College Station, TX 77840, USA
Freckled dapperling mushroom (Echinoderma asperum) taken from a cavity of a rotten pine on Caney Creek Trail (Little Lake Creek Loop Trail) in Sam Houston National Forest near Huntsville. Texas, October 21, 2018 Little Lake Creek Loop Trail, Montgomery, TX 77356, USA
Crowded gills of freckled dapperling mushroom (Echinoderma asperum) taken from a cavity of a rotten pine on Caney Creek Trail (Little Lake Creek Loop Trail) in Sam Houston National Forest near Huntsville. Texas, October 21, 2018 Little Lake Creek Loop Trail, Montgomery, TX 77356, USA
Freckled dapperling mushroom (Echinoderma asperum) in a forest parking ground in Big Creek Scenic Area of Sam Houston National Forest. Shepherd, Texas, October 28, 2018 Lone Star Hiking Trail, Shepherd, TX 77371, USA
Young freckled dapperling mushrooms (Echinoderma asperum) in Little Thicket Nature Sanctuary. Found at mushroom walk of GSMS. Cleveland, Texas, November 3, 2018 Sam Houston National Forest, 394 FM 1375, New Waverly, TX 77358, USA
Group of freckled dapperling mushrooms (Echinoderma asperum) under oaks in Little Thicket Nature Sanctuary. Found at mushroom walk of GSMS. Cleveland, Texas, November 3, 2018 Sam Houston National Forest, 394 FM 1375, New Waverly, TX 77358, USA
Gills of freckled dapperling mushroom (Echinoderma asperum) in Lick Creek Park. College Station, Texas, November 9, 2018 Iron Bridge Trail, College Station, TX 77845, USA
Freckled dapperling mushroom (Echinoderma asperum) in Lick Creek Park. College Station, Texas, November 9, 2018 Iron Bridge Trail, College Station, TX 77845, USA
Freckled dapperling mushroom (Echinoderma asperum, Lepiota aspera) on a flowerbed in Antique Rose Emporium. Independence, Texas, July 27, 2019 10000 FM 50, Brenham, TX 77833, USA
Underside of freckled dapperling mushrooms (Echinoderma asperum, Lepiota aspera) on a flowerbed in Antique Rose Emporium. Independence, Texas, July 27, 2019 10000 FM 50, Brenham, TX 77833, USA
Freckled dapperling mushrooms (Echinoderma asperum) in Huntsville State Park. Texas, November 15, 2019 State Park Rd 40, New Waverly, TX 77358, USA
Cross section of freckled dapperling mushrooms (Echinoderma asperum) in Huntsville State Park. Texas, November 15, 2019 State Park Rd 40, New Waverly, TX 77358, USA
Freckled dapperling mushrooms (Echinoderma asperum) in Lick Creek Park. College Station, Texas, November 26, 2019 Yaupon Loop, College Station, TX 77845, USA
Freckled dapperling mushrooms (Echinoderma asperum) near rotting wood on Caney Creek Trail (Little Lake Creek Loop Trail) in Sam Houston National Forest north from Montgomery. Texas, September 19, 2020 Little Lake Creek Loop Trail, Montgomery, TX 77356, USA
Freckled dapperling mushrooms (Echinoderma asperum) on Four Notch Loop Trail of Sam Houston National Forest near Huntsville. Texas, October 24, 2021 Four Notch Loop Trail, Walker County, Texas, United States
AI-generated summary of observations
Observations of Echinoderma asperum in East and Central Texas reveal that the fungus can be found in various locations, including nature trails, forests, parks, and even flowerbeds. The mushrooms were spotted in multiple counties, including Brazos, Walker, San Jacinto, and Montgomery. They tend to grow in groups, often near rotting wood or under trees such as oaks and pines. The observations were made during different times of the year, with a concentration of sightings in the fall months (November) and some in the spring (April) and summer (July). The mushrooms' habitats range from wooded areas to more open spaces like parking grounds and flowerbeds, indicating a relatively adaptable nature. Overall, Echinoderma asperum appears to be widespread in East and Central Texas, with a preference for certain environments and times of year.