Group of Fungi: Agarics

Family: Tricholomataceae

Latin Name: Clitocybe odora (Bull.) P. Kumm.

Common Name: Anise-scented Clitocybe

Description: Total height 2–6 in (5–15 cm); cap 1 1/4–3 1/2 in (3–9 cm) wide, dingy green to bluish-green, margin incurved; gills very closely spaced, white to pale buff to bluish green; stalk 1–3 in (2.5–7.5 cm) long, 1/4–5/8 in (0.5–1.5 cm) in diameter, slightly expanded at base, white to buff; spores pinkish-cream in mass.

Biological Role: Decomposer of humus and litter.

Habitat: On the ground in broadleaf or mixed broadleaf/conifer forests.

Geographical Distribution: Found throughout North America.

Comments: Fresh specimens of Clitocybe odora are usually easy to identify because of the bluish green (not a common color in fungi) cap and the anise (like black licorice) odor. In older specimens the color tends to fade and the odor is no longer apparent. This fungus is considered edible.