common conecap

Conocybe tenera is a small saprotrophic mushroom with a conic to convex cap which is smooth and orangish brown. It is up to 2.5 centimetres (1 in) wide and is striate almost to the center. The stem is 3 to 9 cm (1+1⁄4 to 3+1⁄2 in) long, 1–4 mm thick, and is equal width for the whole length, sometimes with some swelling at the base. It lacks an annulus (ring), is hollow and pruinose near the top. The gills are adnexed and pale brown, darkening in age. The spore print is rusty brown. The spores are yellowish brown, smooth and elliptical with a germ pore, measuring 12 x 6 μm.

Similar species. The species requires microscopy to identify. It resembles members of Galerina, Pholiotina, and Psathyrella, as well as Parasola conopilea. The related C. filaris is poisonous.

Common in disturbed areas in North America, it is widely distributed across the world.

The species is inedible, and is related to at least one species which contains the deadly amatoxin.