Pileus

Cap 1.5-4.5 cm broad, convex, nearly plane in age, often umbonate; surface at first smooth, reddish-brown at the disc, shading to a lighter margin, the cuticle, except at the disc, soon breaking up into concentrically arranged scales revealing underlying white tissue; flesh thin, white; odor pungent.

Lamellae

Gills free, close, white to cream.

Stipe

2.5-6 cm tall, 0.2-0.4 cm thick, hollow, slender, equal to slightly enlarged at the base; surface white, smooth or with a scattering of fibrils; veil membranous forming a fragile, superior ring.

Spores

Spores 6-7.5 x 3-4.5 µm, wedge-shaped, spurred, smooth and dextrinoid; spore print white.

Habitat

Solitary to scattered under conifers, especially Monterey cypress; also found in mixed hardwood/conifer woods; fruiting from early fall to mid-winter.

Edibility

Unknown; to be avoided as some small Lepiotas contain the same deadly toxins as Amanita phalloides (Death Cap).

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