Sulphur tuft

About

The false Sulphur tuft (Hypholoma fasciculare) is one of the most common causes of mistakes during the mushroom season. It grows in large clusters on old stumps, roots, and fallen wood of both deciduous and coniferous trees throughout Ukraine, including the Carpathian forests. Fruiting bodies appear from August to November, which is the same time as true Sulphur tufts.

The caps are small, 2–7 cm, initially hemispherical, then expanded, bright sulfur-yellow, darker in the center, reddish-orange. The edges of young mushrooms often show remnants of the veil, but there is no true membranous ring on the stem. The gills are dense, initially sulfur-yellow, but with age become characteristically greenish, later olive-brown. The stem is thin, yellow, and darkens towards the base. The flesh is yellow and very bitter.

The mushroom is poisonous. Steroidal compounds called fasciculol are considered responsible for this. Symptoms of poisoning may appear within a few hours: nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and in severe cases—collapse, vision impairment, and paralysis. Ukrainian guides also mention fatal cases.

To avoid mistakes, inspect each cluster carefully. True Sulphur tufts have a honey-brown cap with small scales, white or cream gills, and a noticeable membranous ring on the stem. The sulfur-yellow color, greenish gills, and bitter taste are signals to leave the mushroom in the forest. Do not collect mixed clusters and do not put mushrooms you are unsure about into your basket: one poisonous specimen spoils the entire catch.

Where in the Carpathians

The map shows where naturalists recorded the species (GBIF, CC0 and CC BY records), not every place it lives. The Ukrainian Carpathians are less studied, so a blank area does not mean the species is absent.

Countries

Austria · Ukraine · Slovakia · Romania · Poland · Hungary · Czechia

Mountain ranges

Low Tatras, Gorgany, Polonynian Ridge, Skole Beskids, Silesian Beskids, Chornohora

Altitude belts

Foothills (below 600 m) · Beech forests (600–1200 m)

When to see it

From naturalists’ observations in the Carpathians (iNaturalist, research grade): the darker the cell, the more often the species is seen that month.

Safety

Poisonous. When collecting Sulphur tufts, check each cluster: sulfur-yellow cap, greenish gills, and absence of a ring indicate a false Sulphur tuft. Do not taste raw mushrooms. Mushroom dishes are not recommended for children under 12 years. In case of suspected poisoning, call 103 (or 112).

Look-alikes — how to tell them apart

Protection and rules

Not protected.

FAQ