Winter mushrooms - Flammulina velutipes

Imagine picking mushrooms in the midst of winter in snow and cold. Of course it's possible. The winter mushrooms are here. Let's take a closer look at them.

The winter mushrooms grow in groups on dead trees and stumps. They grow from late autumn to spring. It is quite common to stumble across them in January and February. Especially if the weather gets warmer after a colder periode. Due to the time of year they grow, unlike any other mushrooms here in Northern Norway, it's beginner friendly. But please note, if you pick them in autumn there are other species that look similar. Be especially aware of the Funeral bell, Deadly skullcap (Galerina Marginata)  As the name suggests, highly poisonous, but they don't grow in midst of winter. 

Identification of The Winter Mushroom:

Cap: 2 - 6 cm across the cap, so rather small mushrooms. The cap is lightly curved with this orange, yellow- brownish colour. I find they are often (but not always) Gleaming damp if the temperatur is above zero, and dry below zero. 

The Gills are rounded, the colour is somewhat like the cap, but a little bit lighter. 

The Stem: 4 - 8 cm long and quite slim, always less than 1 cm across. The stem is velvet like in texture, dark brown but with a lighter part close to the cap. 

Spores: White. Can be hard to spot on young individuals. On older mushrooms you might se white powder beneath them on twigs or other mushrooms. It is always recommended to take a spore sample. This can be easily done by placing the mushroom on a dark surface, leave it there for a couple of hours. When you pick up the mushroom you will find a pattern from the spores on the paper. 

Please note! This page is for inspiration and educational purposes. It describes general characteristics of the species and photographed individuals. It can NOT be used to make safe identifications of the mushrooms you pick. Please get a local mushroom expert to have a look at them. If you are close, I will be happy to assist you.

On my member pages (only in Norwegian) you can find more information on the Winter mushrooms. Where to pick them, similar species, maps, movies and more.

If you are looking for a mushroom guide in Northern Norway, please get in touch.