If this is old 17 it will have broadly ellipsoid to ellipsoid spores. It will occur as early as July 4 in New Jersey always near fairly mature to very mature oaks. We tend to notice them in lawns, but they must also grow in appropriate forests. I think I may have been mixing more than one species together in my old notes (hence, “old 17”). One of the species has a cap the dries quite dark and suggest cast iron to me when dry. The other’s cap (when expanded) is brownish gray with the emphasis on the gray). One of my questions is whether the color before the cap is fully expanded is also an important character here. The pictures on this page have an olivaceous tint before full expansion. I’m going to have to go out and do more photography come next July.

Very best,

Rod

is a typical character that I see. I think I recall also seeing (although uncommon in this type) examples with a volval patch on the cap surface.

http://mushroomobserver.org/obs/69013?q=Bejn

As I understand the situation, Rod is interested in making multiple collections of this type of mushroom. Similarities/differences that exist among various collections contribute to potentially understanding a new species designation.

I have already sent specimens to Rod. But, now that you mention it Martin, I may still have a few at home, and I should also send those.

I have plenty of pictures (or is it memories) of caps with a little crumble of dirt and the odd paint chip. They sure look like the same thing to me. Do you have any saved? I think Rod would like to look at one.

for comparison. Really looks like the same type we’ve been finding, Martin. The area where I get most of mine is a south – facing sloping lawn nearby a wood border. I also get a variety of other mushroom types in this patch of land.

The friable volva is often buried to the extent that is very difficult to extract.

http://mushroomobserver.org/obs/69012?q=Bejn

When I first posted these I did not get a hoot…, So I have looked at them as if they were as common as grass. I will collect some for you in 2012.

R