just heard back, she say, “They look like a clitocybe (gray cap or skunk mushroom), but things like spore color, color of stalk (stipe), smell, whether there is a ring, whether sticky or slimy, etc help determine the name. Edibility not recommended.”
Discussion
of course, she lives in a different region as well so take that into account
Thank you. I looked up the clitocybe, and I am confident that isn't it. But I do appreciate the advice and suggestion. Does she have a mushroom id book that is super-thorough that she recommends?
(she also just had cataract surgery so not sure how her eyesight is on small screens as she recovers)
Good reference here and well written, full of interesting details
https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/All_That_the_Rain_Promises_and_More...
I’m sure her first recommendation would be to look into any mycological societies that might be active in your area, to learn techniques for identifying and caring for your wild mushrooms from people who have long experience. I think she was collecting for about five years before she really felt confident to start cooking and eating some of the less obvious edibles.
Yes, it is pretty intimidating! The Conversation Department has classes occasionally and I keep missing them for one reason or another.
Thank you and her again!!