Collybia brunneocephala, also known as the brown blewit or brownit, is a species of gilled mushroom.[5] Previously designated Clitocybe brunneocephala,[2] the brownit and its lavender-colored cousin Clitocybe nuda (the wood blewit) were reassigned to the genus Collybia in 2023.[6]
It is found in North America and edible but resembles some poisonous species.
As its name implies, the brownit is a brown-capped mushroom with light-beige gills.[2] It is of somewhat stumpy proportions.[2]
The cap is usually described as "lubricious"[2][3] and often has a rubbery-translucent gloss without being sticky; it is up to 14 centimetres (5+1⁄2in) wide.[7] The whitish stem discolors to yellowish where touched; it is up to 6cm (2+1⁄4in) long.[7] The spore print is light pinkish.[7]
Brownits can also be mistaken for Collybia nuda (which it resembles in both "size and stature")[3] and Clitocybe tarda, but can be distinguished by color and size.[2]Collybia nuda often looks brown in age, but will retain undertones of lilac.[2]Clitocybe tarda mushrooms are smaller than brownits and retain some hint of purple on the cap.[2]
Distribution and habitat
The brownit can be found most frequently from December to March,[1][5] most commonly in California.[2] Often found in lawns and open meadows, sometimes in fairy rings, it also turns up under California native oaks and Monterey cypress.[8]
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