Cinnamon Aldercap (Naucoria scolecina)
Naucoria scolecina
Visual Identification
What is Naucoria scolecina? A Complete Overview
Cap, Gills, and Stipe Features
Naucoria scolecina is a small, wood-inhabiting fungus recognized by its tawny-brown coloration and conical to broadly convex cap, typically measuring between 1 and 4 centimeters in diameter. When young, the cap may have a slightly darker center and a moist, glutinous surface, which sometimes dries out with age, rendering a smoother texture. The margin is often striate when moist, a trait common to many small agarics. The coloration may lighten slightly as the specimen matures.
The gills of Naucoria scolecina are adnate to adnexed, moderately crowded, and exhibit a rusty to ochre-brown tone due to the rusty brown spore print. The gills can be an identifying feature especially because of their consistent brown coloration and the absence of any bruising or latex. The stipe (stem) is slender, approximately 3–7 cm long and 2–4 mm thick, often slightly swollen at the base and covered with fine fibrils or longitudinal striations. A partial veil may exist in young specimens but typically vanishes as the fruiting body matures.
Microscopic and Spore Traits
Microscopically, Naucoria scolecina's spores are elliptic to spindle-shaped, smooth, and measure approximately 10–14 µm in length. Its basidia are tetrasporic and cystidia are present on the gill edge. The spores are cinnamon to rusty brown in mass, a typical characteristic in Naucoria species which helps delineate it from similar small brown mushrooms with white or pink spore prints.
Its distinctive spore morphology and habitat association with sedge-rich wetlands and wet wood debris distinguishes Naucoria scolecina within its genus, although the overall appearance of a "little brown mushroom" (LBM) can sometimes make field identification challenging without close scrutiny or microscopic confirmation.
Taxonomic Classification
Historical and Cultural Significance of Naucoria scolecina
Limited Cultural or Ethnomycological Presence
Naucoria scolecina does not appear in major ethnomycological texts or traditional pharmacopeias, suggesting limited or no known cultural significance. Unlike mushrooms historically revered in shamanic traditions, ritualistic uses, or ancient Chinese medicine, this species lacks a traceable human relationship throughout history.
This absence in folk medicine or culinary lore likely stems from its inconspicuous size, muted appearance, and avoidance by indigenous foragers. Additionally, its preference for habitats such as swampy sedge beds and waterlogged woodland areas makes it less accessible or desirable for human traders, medicine men, or traditional nutritionists to explore.
There are no recorded symbolic meanings, festival relevance, or role in art and storytelling for Naucoria scolecina, rendering it a more ecologically-oriented organism with natural, rather than anthropogenic, importance.
Where Does Naucoria scolecina Typically Grow?
Ecological Niche and Substrate Preference
Naucoria scolecina primarily thrives in wetland and riparian habitats, an uncommon ecological niche within the genus Naucoria. It is particularly associated with sedge-dominated environments or calcareous fenlands, where it often grows on decaying sedge litter or moist wood debris, such as that from willows or poplars. The mushroom prefers substrates with high organic content that remain damp throughout the season.
Global and Regional Distribution
Geographically, Naucoria scolecina has a scattered but distinct distribution across temperate regions of Europe, North America, and Central Asia. In Europe, it has been reported in countries including the UK, Czech Republic, Sweden, and Germany. In North America, it is relatively rare but can occasionally be encountered in damp woodland and wet grassland areas of the Pacific Northwest, Northeastern U.S., and along Appalachian wetlands.
It is often overlooked due to its small stature and non-distinct coloration but plays an essential ecological role in the breakdown of sedge litter in fens and wetlands where few fungal decomposers can persist long-term. Its presence may indicate high ecological value or rare habitat types requiring conservation consideration.
When is Naucoria scolecina in Season?
Late Summer – Mid Autumn
Is Naucoria scolecina Edible or Toxic?
Safety Information:
Lack of Toxic Research but Risks Remain
There is currently no documented toxicology report that officially classifies Naucoria scolecina as poisonous. However, the species' edibility is unknown, and caution is advised when handling or foraging unidentified Naucoria species due to their similarity to visibly indistinct toxic species in the same habitat.
The mushroom is part of the Cortinariaceae family, which contains many toxic and dangerously poisonous species such as some belonging to the genus Cortinarius. Some of these produce orellanine, a nephrotoxin responsible for acute renal failure. Therefore, misidentification poses a plausible health risk. Since Naucoria scolecina cannot be confidently classified as edible or inert and hasn't undergone chemical safety screenings, assumptions about its nontoxic status remain speculative.
Symptoms from ingesting some toxic 'little brown mushrooms' can manifest hours to days after ingestion, featuring nausea, vomiting, kidney distress, confusion, and in severe cases, long-term organ damage. It serves as a reminder that unknown fungi — even those without immediate negative effects — should never be consumed without taxonomic certainty and mycological verification.
Precautions and Interactions
No Documented Drug Interactions
As of current literature, no drug interactions are documented for Naucoria scolecina. Given its undefined edibility and negligible medicinal use, the mushroom has not been examined in pharmacological interaction studies.
However, general caution applies to any wild fungi not thoroughly studied. Biological extracts from many mushrooms can host compounds antagonistic to immunosuppressive, hepatotoxic, or enzyme-influencing pharmaceuticals. Without knowing whether Naucoria scolecina contains such bioactive secondary metabolites, any ingestion should be avoided.
Users on immunotherapy, antipsychotics, hormone modulators, or anticoagulants should avoid exposure from experimental supplement use (if such becomes available commercially in the future) unless clinical toxicity and metabolic profiles are well understood.
What Mushrooms Look Like Naucoria scolecina?
Commonly Confused Species
Several mushrooms resemble Naucoria scolecina in appearance, particularly to novice foragers. It's important to differentiate these species accurately to avoid serious health risks.
- Galerina marginata (Deadly Galerina): Perhaps the most dangerous lookalike, Galerina marginata shares the small brown cap, similar spore color, and moist habitat preferences. It is lethally toxic and contains amatoxins, which cause liver failure. Key distinguishing traits include a well-defined annulus (ring) on the stipe and more gelatinous cap in rainy conditions.
- Pholiotina rugosa: Another small brown mushroom with similar coloration and gilled features. Pholiotina rugosa may contain toxins and shares the preference for moist, shaded woodland areas. A distinguishing feature is the wrinkled gill face and striated cap margins more visible when wet.
- Phaeocollybia spp.: Some species appear similar due to their slender stipes and brown coloration, especially in older specimens. However, Phaeocollybia typically grows under coniferous forests and has a slightly different root-like stipe base (pseudo-sclerotium), helping differentiate them during foraging.
Due to these overlaps, foragers are advised to avoid collection of any small brown mushrooms unless identified with expert verification, microscopy, or DNA barcoding.
Safety Note: Always use proper identification methods and consult expert mycologists when foraging. Misidentification can have serious health consequences.
Disclaimer: This information is for educational and identification purposes only. Never consume wild mushrooms without expert identification. Always consult with qualified mycologists and healthcare professionals. Foraging and consumption of wild mushrooms carries inherent risks.