Synonyms: Agaricus androsaceus, Agaricus pineti, Androsaceus androsaceus, Chamaeceras androsaceus, Marasmius androsaceus, Merulius androsaceus, Setulipes androsaceus.
Common name: horsehair parachute.
Gymnopus androsaceus is a small to medium-sized mushroom with a pinkish-gray to brown cap, 1-4 cm in diameter, and a slender stem. It grows in clusters on deciduous logs, stumps, and woody debris. In East and Central Texas, it typically fruits from spring to fall, particularly after heavy rainfall. The fungus is common in the region's hardwood forests, including those dominated by oak, elm, and maple trees. Its mycelium decomposes lignin and cellulose in dead wood, contributing to nutrient cycling in these ecosystems.
Horsehair parachute mushrooms (Gymnopus androsaceus)(?) on a base of a mossy tree, may be ash, in wet area on Winters Bayou Trail in Sam Houston National Forest. Cleveland, Texas, August 27, 2022
Lone Star Hiking Trail, San Jacinto County, Texas, 77328, United States
Horsehair parachute mushrooms (Gymnopus androsaceus)(?) on moss at the base of a tree in wet area on Winters Bayou Trail in Sam Houston National Forest. Cleveland, Texas, August 27, 2022Lone Star Hiking Trail, San Jacinto County, Texas, 77328, United States
Underside of horsehair parachute mushrooms (Gymnopus androsaceus)(?) at the base of a mossy tree, may be ash, in wet area on Winters Bayou Trail in Sam Houston National Forest. Cleveland, Texas, August 27, 2022Lone Star Hiking Trail, San Jacinto County, Texas, 77328, United States
Spores of horsehair parachute mushrooms (Gymnopus androsaceus)(?) from the base of a mossy tree collected on Winters Bayou Trail in Sam Houston National Forest. Cleveland, Texas, August 27, 2022Observations of Gymnopus androsaceus in East and Central Texas reveal that the fungus grows in wet areas, specifically at the base of trees with moss. On Winters Bayou Trail in Sam Houston National Forest, Cleveland, Texas, the mushrooms were found on August 27, 2022, associated with a mossy tree, possibly an ash tree. The mushrooms were observed growing on the moss, and their underside was also documented. Spores were collected from the base of the mossy tree for further study. The fungus appears to thrive in damp environments, suggesting a preference for moist conditions. The repeated observations at the same location suggest that Gymnopus androsaceus may be commonly found in similar habitats in East and Central Texas.
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