Pale Brittlestem

Psathyrella candolleana

Psathyrella candolleana is a saprotrophic fungus widespread and common in woods, grassy margins, and parks, where it decomposes buried wood and roots and leaf litter. The cap is hygrophanous, with a honey-brown colour when fresh and pale cream when dry; it is borne on a long, slender, fragile stipe, giving the fungus a typical Psathyrella frail, ephemeral appearance [1][2].

Ecologically, P. candolleana and its fellow saprotrophs have important roles in decomposition and nutrient recycling. By breaking down complex organic matter from decaying wood and litter, the fungus releases nutrients that enrich the soil and support understory plant growth. This activity also promotes microbial diversity and can help maintain forest-floor continuity, keeping decomposition and regeneration in balance [2][3].

Psathyrella candolleana's preference for undisturbed, moisture-retentive microhabitats has made it something of an indicator species for active, healthy decomposition [4]. Despite its tendency to be overlooked, the fungus is a symbol of the unassuming work of fungi, who maintain soil fertility and ecosystem stability through the quiet and steady degradation of organic matter [5].

[1] Kuo, Michael. “Psathyrella candolleana.” MushroomExpert.com. https://mushroomexpert.com/psathyrella_candolleana.html

[2] First Nature. “Psathyrella candolleana (Fr.) G. Bertrand – Pale Brittlestem.” First Nature – Fungi of Northern Europe and North America. https://first-nature.com/fungi/psathyrella-candolleana.php

[3] Plantiary. “Pale Brittlestem (Psathyrella candolleana) Mushroom Identification, Habitat & Uses.” https://plantiary.com/mushroom/psathyrella-candolleana_718.html

[4] Al-Habib, Mouthana N., John Holliday, and Daniel Ţura. “The Pale Brittlestem Mushroom, Psathyrella candolleana (Higher Basidiomycetes): An Indigenous Medicinal Mushroom New to Iraq.” International Journal of Medicinal Mushrooms 16, no. 6 (2014): 617-622. https://www.researchgate.net/profile/John-Holliday-5/publication/268795171_The_Pale-Brittle-Stem-Mushroom-Psathyrella-candolleana_Higher_Basidiomycetes_An_Indigenous_Medicinal_Mushroom_New_to_Iraq/links/5b2a71684585150c6341543b/The-Pale-Brittle-Stem-Mushroom-Psathyrella-candolleana-Higher-Basidiomycetes-An-Indigenous-Medicinal-Mushroom-New-to-Iraq.pdf

[5] NatureSpot. “Pale Brittlestem – Psathyrella candolleana.” NatureSpot Species Guides. https://www.naturespot.org/species/pale-brittlestem