Xerula radicata (Relhan) Dörfelt

Deep root mushroom, rooting shank

Deep root mushrooms are natives of North America and Europe.

Identification: These mushrooms have tall, thin stalks, 1¾–8″ (5–20 cm), and robust root systems which extend 8–10″ (20–25 cm) underground. Stems lack a ring, and there is no veil. They live on rotting deciduous wood (especially beech), though they usually appear to be growing in the ground, deriving their nutrition from buried wood. The caps are 1–4″ (3–10 cm) in diameter, yellow or olive-brown, with wide, white gills. They produce white, cream-colored, or yellowish spore prints. Comprehensive identification is a bit of a challenge—see Michael Kuo's site for details.

Habitats: Rotting stumps or woody residues of broad-leaved trees, especially of beech.

Edibility: Technically edible. Apparently non-poi­sonous, but not tasty.

Medical: Deep root mushrooms have anti­hypertensive, antifungal, and antitumor effects.

Online References:

Xerula radicata description by Thomas H. Kent, not updated.

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