Phaeocollybia fallax

Phaeocollybia fallax, commonly known as the beautiful phaeo^[1] or pretty phaeocollybia,^[2] is a species of mushroom in the genus Phaeocollybia. It is found in Western North America.^[3]

The cap of Phaeocollybia fallax is green, sometimes becoming brown in age. It is slimy when wet. It is about 1.5-6 centimeters in diameter. It starts out conical, becoming convex, flat, or umbonate.^[1] The gills start out purple, and become brown in age.^[3] The stipe can be up to 25 centimeters long, but most of it is hidden underground, with only about 4-8 centimeters visible aboveground. The stipe is between 3 millimeters and 1 centimeter wide. The spore print is brownish.^[1]

Phaeocollybia fallax is often found in old growth forests. It is a mycorrhizal fungus, forming symbiotic relationships with conifer trees. It may also grow with tanoak.^[4] It can be found in coastal forests.^[5] While it usually fruits during fall, it occasionally does so in spring.^[2]