Gymnopus dryophilus

From spring until autumn, this common Illinois mushroom can be found growing in clusters around rotting oak logs and stumps as well as other forest debris. Continually overlooked due to the fact nobody eats it--it’s not edible--this species is nonetheless admirable for its slender, cream-colored stem and elegant, colonial stature. As is often the case in mycology, the “official” scientific name of this species has been changed. Formerly known as Collybia dryophila, the name Gymnopus dryophilus currently identifies this rather under-appreciated forest recycling machine.