How can you tell from different mushrooms apart?

- Convex: Rounded like an umbrella.

- Conical: Cone-shaped.

- Flat: Level and horizontal.

- Bell-shaped: Initially conical but expands to become flat.

- Funnel-shaped: Starts convex, then develops a central depression that deepens as it matures.

2. Cap Surface Texture:

- Smooth: Has a uniform and even texture.

- Scaly: Covered with small, scale-like projections.

- Slimy or Viscid: Feels wet or sticky to the touch.

- Dry: Feels rough or powdery.

3. Cap Color:

- White: Can range from pure white to off-white or cream.

- Brown: Includes various shades from light tan to dark chocolate.

- Red: From bright red to reddish-orange or crimson.

- Yellow: Can range from pale yellow to deep golden or orange.

- Purple: Includes various shades from light lilac to deep violet.

- Green: May be pale green, olive green, or dark forest green.

- Blue: Can range from pale blue to deep indigo.

4. Gill Attachment:

- Free: Gills are not attached to the stem or only slightly so.

- Adnate: Gills fully attach to the stem with a straight line.

- Decurrent: Gills run down the stem, forming a triangular shape.

5. Gill Color:

- White: Can be pure white, off-white, or even cream-colored.

- Brown: Includes various shades from light tan to dark chocolate.

- Pink: May range from pale pink to deep rose or magenta.

- Gray: Can be light gray, medium gray, or dark charcoal gray.

- Yellow: From pale yellow to deep golden or orange.

6. Stem Texture:

- Smooth: Lacks any noticeable roughness or projections.

- Fibrous: Has fine, thread-like structures that give it a somewhat silky texture.

- Scaly: Covered with small, scale-like projections.

- Ringed: Has a distinct ring or band encircling the stem.

7. Spore Print Color:

- White: Spores appear white when deposited on a piece of paper.

- Brown: Spores appear brown or chocolate-colored.

- Pink: Spores have a pinkish or reddish hue.

- Purple: Spores appear purple or violet.

- Black: Spores look black or dark gray.

Remember that these are general characteristics, and there are always exceptions within each mushroom species. It's essential to consult a reliable field guide or seek advice from experienced mushroom enthusiasts before consuming or handling any wild mushrooms.