Appearance
In appearance, ''I. lacera'' is a typical "little brown mushroom", but specific features are very variable. It typically features a convex cap measuring 1 to 3 centimetres across, with a small umbo. The margin of the cap curves inwards, and often splits. In colour, it is snuff-brown, and in consistency, it is fibrillose and scaley. The stipe, or stem, is 2 to 3 centimetres tall, and 3 to 6 millimetres thick, brown at the slightly bulbous base, but lighter towards the apex, and, again, fibrillose. The stem lacks a ring. The flesh is white. The adnexed gills are white in younger specimens, soon changing to a clay-buff with white edges.
Naming
''Inocybe hystrix'' is similar in appearance, but noticeably more scaly. It is also far less common.There are several documented subspecies in addition to the main ''I. lacera'' var ''lacera'', including the dwarf form ''I. lacera'' var. ''subsquarrosa'' and ''I. lacera'' var. ''heterosperma'', found in North America.
Distribution
Found in Europe and North America, it typically grows in autumn in mixed woods, favouring sandy soil.Habitat
''Inocybe lacera'' can be found throughout autumn on sandy soil, especially with pine, though it is typically found in mixed woods. It grows mycorrhizally with both conifers and hardwoods, and the fruiting bodies can be found alone, in scattered groups, or growing gregariously. It is most commonly found on the edge of pathways through woodland, and another common habitat is on old, moss-covered fire sites. Other habitats include heathland and coastal dunes. It can be found in Europe and North America. In some areas of Montana, it can be found growing in the spring, under ''Populus tremuloides''.References:
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