Pale Brittlestem: Identification, Lookalikes, and Edibility

The pale brittlestem (Candolleomyces candolleanus) is a widespread and common mushroom in North America that grows near recently dead hardwood trees, their roots, and their stumps. It grows in lawns, pastures, cultivated ground, urban areas, and the woods, which means it’s also commonly encountered. Its edibility is questionable, with some guides listing it as okay while other reports say it may be slightly toxic. The pale brittlestem is a very fragile mushroom, as the name suggests.