Contents
Collibia subsnow of the Negniuchnikov family bears fruit in spring forests, simultaneously with primroses. The species is also called spring or snow honey agaric, spring hymnopus, Collybianivalis, Gymnopusvernus.
Description of Collibia snow
Among the numerous genus of Gymnopus, there are many early spring species that are distinguished by their small size. Outwardly, the mushroom makes a very pleasant impression, which does not repel lovers of quiet hunting.
Cap Description
The diameter of the cap of the snowy Collibia does not exceed 4 cm. At the beginning of growth, the shape is hemispherical, then with age it is umbrella-like, of a convex silhouette or occasionally flat, sometimes with a depressed center. The edges are even. The skin is recognized by the following parameters:
- red-brown;
- shining;
- slippery to the touch;
- brightens as it grows;
- when dried – pink-beige.
The color of the loose fleshy pulp of the snowy collibia is from brown to white. Brown-cream wide plates are not thick. Representatives of this species have an earthy mushroom smell, after cooking the taste is mild.
Description of the leg
Collibia has a snowy leg with the following features:
- 2-7 cm high, 2-6 mm wide;
- smooth in appearance, but visible fibers;
- clavate, wide below;
- pubescent below;
- bends slightly near the cap or above the ground;
- contrasting compared to the dark hat – pale cream or ocher, the color is thicker below;
- cartilaginous pulp is tough.
Is the mushroom edible or not?
Hymnopus spring is considered conditionally edible, but has not yet been sufficiently studied. Toxins are not present in the fruiting body. Suitable for drying to give a mushroom smell to first courses. Collibia spring is harvested only by experienced mushroom pickers; due to the small volume, the species is not popular.
Where and how to grow
Snow agaric is a relatively rare mushroom of the middle lane. They are found in deciduous forests where alder, beech, elm, hazel grow, on thawed patches. Prefers peat swampy areas, with dense leaf litter or deadwood. Groups of spring Gymnopus appear on the first warm days, in April or early May, where the snow has melted. Frost is not afraid.
Twins and their differences
Snow Collibia seems similar to honey mushrooms. But you need to know the differences:
- mushrooms have a ring on the leg;
- they appear in summer and autumn;
- grow on wood.
Conclusion
Collibia snowy smells good when cooked, it is quite easy to distinguish it, since it appears in the spring. Lovers of the gifts of the forest are not stopped by the small size, but are attracted by the opportunity to feast on fresh mushrooms.
