Volvariella pusilla

Volvariella pusilla
When I first found this mushroom in my yard and noticed the distinct volva, I thought I had found a minute Amanita. But as soon as I took a spore print and found pink spores, it was easy to identify.

Volvariella pusilla is considered rare, but I have found it in the same spot at least three different years. Is it really rare or just so tiny it is usually overlooked? With a stem not over two inches and a cap a maximum of just over an inch, this is certainly not an easy mushroom to spot.

by Ron Meyers