Var. immacula´ta Cke. This differs from the type in having no reddish spots or stains.
This species is easily recognized by its large size, firm or compact substance and white color. It grows in soil filled with decaying vegetable matter or on much decayed wood. Peck, 49th Rep. N.Y. State Bot.
West Philadelphia, Pa. Weed grown lot near University of Pennsylvania. September to frost. Grew gregariously over a large lot. The plants varied greatly in size and appearance. The gills of most were crenulate (scalloped). Assorted specimens were sent Professor Peck who wrote: “They are all forms of C. maculata.”
The caps were stewed and eaten in abundance by many, and pronounced “Fine.”
Collybia butyracea.
C. butyra´cea Bull.—butyrum, butter; buttery to the touch. Pileus 2–3 in. broad, normally reddish-brown, but becoming pale, fleshy, convex then expanded, more or less umbonate, dry, even, smooth. Flesh buttery, soft, somewhat hygrophanous, flesh-color then white. Stem 2–3 in. long, attenuated upward from the thickened white downy base, hence much thinner at the apex, 2–3 lines only, but at the base ½-1 in. thick, externally covered over with a rigid cartilaginous cuticle, internally stuffed with soft spongy pith, or hollow only when old, striate, reddish, commonly smooth, but varying with white deciduous scales, and occasionally wholly downy with soft hairs. Gills slightly adnexed, somewhat free, thin, crowded, notched at the edge, white, never spotted-reddish. Stevenson.
Spores 6–10×3–5µ B.; elliptical, 7–9×4–5µ.
Cap greasy looking. Umbo dark.