Section of tricholoma.
Pileus symmetrical, generally fleshy, never truly umbilicate, seldom umbonate. Veil absent or appearing only as fibrils or down on the margin of the pileus. Gills sinuate (the small sudden curve near the stem always apparent in the young plant), sometimes with a slightly decurrent tooth. Stem central, usually stout, fleshy-fibrous, without a bark-like skin. Flesh continuous with that of the pileus. Ring and Volva absent. Spores white or dingy.
But one is known to be poisonous. Some are acrid or unpleasant in flavor. With one exception all grow on the ground in pastures and woods, appearing from May to late in the autumn.
Gills generally white or dingy, frequently spotted or stained. The pileus may be smooth or adorned with fibrous or downy scales, dry, moist, viscid or water-soaked.
The distinguishing feature of Tricholoma is the sinuate gills. In Collybia the stem bears a distinct bark-like skin; in Clitocybe the gills are never sinuate; species of Pleurotus are distinguished by growing on wood only, and Paxillus by their strongly-incurved margin and anastomosing gills.
In cooking Tricholoma consistency must be the guide to plan and time. The tougher varieties require to be cut into small pieces and to be well cooked, while the brittle and delicate varieties will cook quickly. Many of them make excellent soups.
ANALYSIS OF TRIBES.
A. Pileus Viscid, Fibrillose, Scaly Or Downy, Not Water-Soaked.