Key to the Ecological Roles of Fungi<< Start Over
Does your mushroom look a lot like any photo on the left?
Yes
Gills usually somewhat pinkish-tinged
Cap not pointed, often with a dent in the middle
Mushroom greyish to orangish brown

If so, you have a Mutualist (with trees) from the genus Laccaria.




No
Various colors and shapes

If not, you have a Saprobe that is breaking down dead material in the soil. Genera pictured are Mycena, Gymnopus, and Hygrocybe.




 
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