About Sphagnurus paluster (Peck) Redhead & V.Hofst.
Young specimens of Sphagnurus paluster can be covered in a white powdery coating, and their flesh does not change color or bruise when crushed. The flesh itself is thin, soft, and watery. The cap measures 1 to 3 centimetres (0.39 to 1.2 inches) in diameter: young caps are conical or bell-shaped, while mature caps expand to a flat shape with a distinct umbo. The cap surface is smooth, striate, and hygrophanous; it is typically olive-brown when moist, and dries to a pale grey color. The gills range from white to grey, and are adnate or attached with a slight tooth. Subgills are often present, giving the gills a close to subdistant spacing. The stem is 2 to 10 centimetres (0.79 to 3.9 inches) long and 1 to 5 mm (0.039 to 0.20 inches) in diameter, equal in width along its length and hollow. Stem color is usually lighter than the cap, ranging from grey-brown to grey. The spores are white to cream-colored, measure 5.5 to 8.5 μm by 4 to 4.5 μm, and are elliptical and smooth. Fresh specimens of this mushroom may have a flour-like farinaceous odor.
Sphagnurus paluster grows from spring to early summer in cool northern climates where Sphagnum is present. It can be found growing singly or in groups, and occurs in bogs or ditches, always growing directly on Sphagnum.
