Common names: Onion-stalk Lepiota, onion-stalk parasol mushroom.
Extract from Wikipedia article: Leucocoprinus cepistipes (often spelled cepaestipes), is a species of fungus in the family Agaricaceae. It is typically found on wood debris, such as wood chips. Typical characteristics include a fine-scaled bell-shaped cap, a partial veil, and a tendency to bruise a yellow to brown when handled.
Leucocoprinus cepistipes is a species of mushroom-producing fungus that belongs to the family Agaricaceae. It is characterized by its small to medium size, bell-shaped to conical cap, and pinkish-brown to yellowish-brown spores. In East and Central Texas, Leucocoprinus cepistipes typically fruits in late summer to early fall, often growing in clusters on rich soil, dung, or well-rotted organic matter. The fungus is commonly found in fields, pastures, and along roadsides, particularly in areas with abundant moisture and warm temperatures. Its caps range from 1-4 cm in diameter and are initially pinkish-brown, fading to yellowish-brown with age. The gills are free from the stem and crowded, with spores that are elliptical and measure 7-10 x 4-5 µm.
Leucocoprinus cepistipes mushrooms on a pile of wood chips in Bee Creek Park. College Station, Texas, November 8, 2017 Anderson St, College Station, TX 77840, USA
Onion-stalked lepiota mushrooms (Leucocoprinus cepistipes) in Hensel Park. College Station, Texas, September 19, 2018 311 E Brookside Dr, Bryan, TX 77801, USA
Cap of onion-stalked lepiota mushroom (Leucocoprinus cepistipes) in Hensel Park. College Station, Texas, September 19, 2018 305 E Brookside Dr, Bryan, TX 77801, USA
Gills of onion-stalked lepiota mushroom (Leucocoprinus cepistipes) in Hensel Park. College Station, Texas, September 19, 2018 305 E Brookside Dr, Bryan, TX 77801, USA
Onion-stalked lepiota mushrooms (Leucocoprinus cepistipes) on mulch under a live oak at New Main Drive on campus of Texas A and M University. College Station, Texas, October 1, 2018 New Main Dr, College Station, TX 77840, USA
Cap of onion-stalk Lepiota mushroom (Leucocoprinus cepistipes) on a mossy oak log near Pole Creek on North Wilderness Trail of Little Lake Creek Wilderness in Sam Houston National Forest north from Montgomery. Texas, August 20, 2022 Lone Star Hiking Trail, Montgomery County, Texas, United States
Onion-stalk Lepiota mushrooms (Leucocoprinus cepistipes) together with Pluteus longistriatus on a rotten oak log near Pole Creek on North Wilderness Trail of Little Lake Creek Wilderness in Sam Houston National Forest north from Montgomery. Texas, August 20, 2022 Lone Star Hiking Trail, Montgomery County, Texas, United States
Onion-stalk Lepiota mushrooms (Leucocoprinus cepistipes) on a mossy oak log near Pole Creek on North Wilderness Trail of Little Lake Creek Wilderness in Sam Houston National Forest north from Montgomery. Texas, August 20, 2022 Lone Star Hiking Trail, Montgomery County, Texas, United States
Mature onion-stalk Lepiota mushrooms (Leucocoprinus cepistipes) on an oak log near Pole Creek on North Wilderness Trail of Little Lake Creek Wilderness in Sam Houston National Forest north from Montgomery. Texas, August 20, 2022 Lone Star Hiking Trail, Montgomery County, Texas, United States
Spores of mushrooms Leucocoprinus cepistipes from a fallen oak collected near Pole Creek in Sam Houston National Forest north from Montgomery. Texas, August 20, 2022
Whitish lepiotoid mushrooms Leucocoprinus cepistipes on a tall pile of wood chips in Andy Anderson Arboretum in Bee Creek Park. College Station, Texas, November 20, 2023 1899, Anderson Street, College Station, Brazos County, Texas, 77840, United States
Spores of mushrooms Leucocoprinus cepistipes from a tall pile of wood chips, in Anderson Arboretum in Bee Creek Park. College Station, Texas, November 20, 2023
AI-generated summary of observations
Leucocoprinus cepistipes was observed in various locations across East and Central Texas. In College Station, the fungus was found on wood chips in Bee Creek Park (November 2017 and November 2023) and Hensel Park (September 2018), as well as on mulch under a live oak on the campus of Texas A&M University (October 2018). In Sam Houston National Forest, it was observed on mossy oak logs near Pole Creek (August 2022), often in association with Pluteus longistriatus. The mushrooms were found in different stages of maturity, and spores were collected from fallen oaks and wood chips. These observations suggest that Leucocoprinus cepistipes is a common species in the region, thriving on decaying wood and other organic matter. Its presence was documented over several years, indicating its persistence in the local ecosystem.