About Flammulina velutipes (Curtis) Singer
Flammulina velutipes, commonly called velvet shank, can grow up to 10 centimetres (4 inches) tall and wide. Its cap is light orange, with darker colour toward the centre. The stem’s colour darkens and fades to a deeper shade near its base. The cap’s flesh is yellow, while the stem’s flesh is brown. This species has a pleasant odour and flavour, and produces a white spore print. In terms of distribution and habitat, Flammulina velutipes can be found throughout Europe from October to February, and in North America, where it appears through May in eastern regions. It is a saprotrophic fungus that grows especially on dead or dying elm trees, and can also grow on ash, beech, and oak trees. For uses, the fleshy caps of Flammulina velutipes can be sliced and cooked (ideally after removing the skin), or dried and ground into seasoning.
