Free guide
The 85 mushrooms and fungi people photograph most around Sydney, with what each one does in a garden and whether it is known to be toxic.
Never eat a wild mushroom.
Several Sydney species can kill, including the death cap, and some look like mushrooms from the shop. If someone has eaten a wild mushroom, call the NSW Poisons Information Centre on 13 11 26 (24 hours), even if they feel fine. If they are very unwell, call 000. If a pet has eaten one, take it to a vet straight away.
Most fungi in a garden do no harm. Many break down dead wood, mulch and leaf litter, and some live on plant roots and help them take up water and nutrients. A few, like honey fungus (Armillaria), attack living trees. If you see mushrooms around the base of a tree that is dying back, get it looked at.
The list below is ordered by how often each species is recorded on iNaturalist in Greater Sydney. That shows what people photograph, not exactly how common each one is. "Unknown" means I couldn't find a reliable toxicity record for that species, so treat it as poisonous.
85 fungi shown
Trametes coccinea
What it looks like: Thin, tough orange-red shelves 3–10 cm across, bright red pores underneath.
Where you'll see it: Dead branches, logs and old stumps. It breaks down dead wood.
Effect on plants: Harmless
Photo: Sofia Zvolanek, CC BY 4.0, via iNaturalist (observation)
Omphalotus nidiformis
What it looks like: Big creamy-white to fawn funnels or fans up to 30 cm, in clusters. Glows faintly green at night.
Where you'll see it: Stumps, tree bases and buried roots, often eucalypts and pines. It rots dead wood and sometimes weak roots.
Effect on plants: Harmless
Photo: Petra Holland, CC BY 4.0, via iNaturalist (observation)
Aseroe rubra
What it looks like: Red star of 6–10 forked arms on a white stalk, rising from a white "egg". Smells of rotting meat.
Where you'll see it: Mulch, woodchips and rich garden soil. It feeds on rotting wood mulch; the smell draws flies to spread spores.
Effect on plants: Beneficial
Photo: Billie, CC0 1.0, via iNaturalist (observation)
Cortinarius rotundisporus
What it looks like: Violet-blue cap 3–8 cm, slimy when wet, fading to brown. Cobweb veil under young caps.
Where you'll see it: On the ground under eucalypts, including garden gums. It partners tree roots.
Effect on plants: Beneficial
Photo: Tess McGrigor, CC0 1.0, via iNaturalist (observation)
Cruentomycena viscidocruenta
What it looks like: Tiny glossy blood-red caps under 1.5 cm on thin red stems.
Where you'll see it: Leaf litter and twigs on damp ground. It breaks down fallen leaves.
Effect on plants: Beneficial
Photo: Mark Richman, CC BY 4.0, via iNaturalist (observation)
Cortinarius archeri
What it looks like: Slimy purple cap 4–10 cm with a purple stem and rusty spores.
Where you'll see it: On the ground under eucalypts. It partners tree roots.
Effect on plants: Beneficial
Photo: Petra Holland, CC BY 4.0, via iNaturalist (observation)
Leratiomyces ceres
What it looks like: Shiny cherry-red to orange caps 2–5 cm, pale stem, dark gills. Comes up in groups.
Where you'll see it: Woodchip and bark mulch, very common in garden beds. It feeds on the mulch.
Effect on plants: Beneficial
Photo: Thomas Mesaglio, CC BY 4.0, via iNaturalist (observation)
Schizophyllum commune
What it looks like: Small furry grey-white fans 1–4 cm with split, pinkish gills underneath.
Where you'll see it: Dead branches and logs, sometimes sunburnt or damaged bark on living trees. Mainly a dead-wood rotter; can move into stressed wood.
Effect on plants: Harmless
Photo: James K. Douch, CC BY-SA 4.0, via iNaturalist (observation)
Lysurus mokusin
What it looks like: Pinkish-red ribbed column 5–12 cm with a brown slimy tip. Strong rotting smell.
Where you'll see it: Woodchip mulch and garden beds. It feeds on mulch.
Effect on plants: Beneficial
Photo: Sofia Zvolanek, CC BY 4.0, via iNaturalist (observation)
Cantharellus concinnus
What it looks like: Orange-yellow trumpet 2–5 cm with shallow ridges (not true gills) underneath.
Where you'll see it: On the ground in eucalypt bush and leafy gardens next to bush. It partners tree roots.
Effect on plants: Beneficial
Photo: Sofia Zvolanek, CC BY 4.0, via iNaturalist (observation)
Lentinus arcularius
What it looks like: Small tan caps 1–6 cm with fringed edges and honeycomb-like pores, on a short stalk.
Where you'll see it: Dead sticks and branches, including in mulch. It rots dead wood.
Effect on plants: Harmless
Photo: Thomas Mesaglio, CC BY 4.0, via iNaturalist (observation)
Gymnopilus junonius
What it looks like: Big golden-orange caps 5–15 cm in clumps, rusty-brown spores, ring on stem.
Where you'll see it: Stumps, tree bases and buried roots. It rots dead wood.
Effect on plants: Harmless
Photo: Petra Holland, CC BY 4.0, via iNaturalist (observation)
No widely used common name
What it looks like: Small orange-brown cap 1–4 cm that bleeds milky juice when cut.
Where you'll see it: On the ground and in lawns under eucalypts. It partners tree roots.
Effect on plants: Beneficial
Photo: Sofia Zvolanek, CC BY 4.0, via iNaturalist (observation)
Coprinus comatus
What it looks like: Tall white shaggy cylinder 5–15 cm that turns black and inky from the bottom up.
Where you'll see it: Lawns, roadsides and disturbed soil. It breaks down buried organic matter.
Effect on plants: Beneficial
Photo: Thomas Mesaglio, CC BY 4.0, via iNaturalist (observation)
No widely used common name
What it looks like: Brown to tan cap 2–6 cm with rusty gills and a cobweb veil.
Where you'll see it: On the ground under eucalypts. It partners tree roots.
Effect on plants: Beneficial
Photo: James K. Douch, CC BY-SA 4.0, via iNaturalist (observation)
No widely used common name
What it looks like: Brown to golden cap 1–5 cm, thin stem, bruises blue.
Where you'll see it: Woodchip mulch, garden beds and pine litter. It feeds on wood debris.
Effect on plants: Beneficial
Photo: James K. Douch, CC BY-SA 4.0, via iNaturalist (observation)
Sanguinoderma rude
What it looks like: Dark brown to black stalked bracket 5–15 cm; the white pores stain blood-red when scratched.
Where you'll see it: Ground near trees, growing from buried roots or wood. Its exact role in living roots is not well known.
Effect on plants: Harmless
Photo: Sofia Zvolanek, CC BY 4.0, via iNaturalist (observation)
Dacrymyces spathularia
What it looks like: Little orange jelly tongues or fans under 1.5 cm.
Where you'll see it: Dead wood, fence posts and old timber. It rots dead wood.
Effect on plants: Harmless
Photo: James K. Douch, CC BY-SA 4.0, via iNaturalist (observation)
Chlorophyllum molybdites
What it looks like: Large white cap 10–30 cm with brown scales; gills turn greenish. Forms rings in lawns.
Where you'll see it: Lawns and grassy parks after summer rain. It feeds on organic matter in the soil.
Effect on plants: Beneficial
Photo: Thomas Mesaglio, CC BY 4.0, via iNaturalist (observation)
Amanita muscaria
What it looks like: Classic red cap 8–20 cm with white spots, white gills, ring and bulb.
Where you'll see it: Under pines, birches and oaks in gardens and parks. It partners those exotic trees.
Effect on plants: Beneficial
Photo: James K. Douch, CC BY-SA 4.0, via iNaturalist (observation)
Boletellus emodensis
What it looks like: Pinkish-red scaly cap 3–8 cm with yellow pores that bruise blue.
Where you'll see it: Base of trees and rotting stumps. Partners tree roots.
Effect on plants: Beneficial
Photo: Sofia Zvolanek, CC BY 4.0, via iNaturalist (observation)
Panus fasciatus
What it looks like: Hairy tan to purple funnel 2–6 cm, tough and leathery.
Where you'll see it: Dead wood and sticks. It rots dead wood.
Effect on plants: Harmless
Photo: Eamonn Culhane, CC BY 4.0, via iNaturalist (observation)
No widely used common name
What it looks like: Pale tan to brown cap 2–6 cm with crowded gills on a tough stem.
Where you'll see it: Leaf litter and buried wood. It breaks down litter.
Effect on plants: Beneficial
Photo: Todd Huang, CC BY 4.0, via iNaturalist (observation)
Amanita xanthocephala
What it looks like: Small orange-red cap 2–5 cm with a yellow edge and white volva cup at the base.
Where you'll see it: On the ground under eucalypts. It partners tree roots.
Effect on plants: Beneficial
Photo: Sofia Zvolanek, CC BY 4.0, via iNaturalist (observation)
Leucocoprinus birnbaumii
What it looks like: Bright lemon-yellow bell-shaped cap 2–5 cm, powdery.
Where you'll see it: Pot plants and hothouse potting mix. It feeds on the mix.
Effect on plants: Beneficial
Photo: Rosie Steinberg, CC BY 4.0, via iNaturalist (observation)
Satyrus rubicundus
What it looks like: Orange-red spike 8–15 cm with a dark slimy tip, from a white egg. Stinks.
Where you'll see it: Mulch and rich soil. Feeds on mulch.
Effect on plants: Beneficial
Photo: Todd Huang, CC BY 4.0, via iNaturalist (observation)
Entoloma virescens
What it looks like: Small bright sky-blue cone 1–4 cm, bruises green.
Where you'll see it: Damp litter and moss in bush and shady gardens. Litter decomposer.
Effect on plants: Beneficial
Photo: Sofia Zvolanek, CC BY 4.0, via iNaturalist (observation)
Cyptotrama asprata
What it looks like: Small golden-yellow cap 1–3 cm with spiky scales.
Where you'll see it: Dead twigs and branches. Rots dead wood.
Effect on plants: Harmless
Photo: Sofia Zvolanek, CC BY 4.0, via iNaturalist (observation)
Amanita ochrophylla
What it looks like: Large cream to tan cap 8–20 cm, cream gills, big ring, bulbous base.
Where you'll see it: On the ground under eucalypts. Partners tree roots.
Effect on plants: Beneficial
Photo: Sofia Zvolanek, CC BY 4.0, via iNaturalist (observation)
Auricularia cornea
What it looks like: Rubbery brown ear-shaped jelly 3–10 cm, hairy on top.
Where you'll see it: Dead branches and logs. Rots dead wood.
Effect on plants: Harmless
Photo: Sofia Zvolanek, CC BY 4.0, via iNaturalist (observation)
Cortinarius austrovenetus
What it looks like: Olive-green dry cap 2–6 cm with yellowish gills.
Where you'll see it: On the ground under eucalypts. Partners tree roots.
Effect on plants: Beneficial
Photo: Sofia Zvolanek, CC BY 4.0, via iNaturalist (observation)
Trametes versicolor
What it looks like: Thin, velvety banded fans 2–8 cm in brown, grey and cream.
Where you'll see it: Dead logs and stumps. Rots dead wood.
Effect on plants: Harmless
Photo: Sofia Zvolanek, CC BY 4.0, via iNaturalist (observation)
Myriostoma australianum
What it looks like: Star-shaped earthstar with a round spore sac with several small holes.
Where you'll see it: Sandy soil and litter. Litter decomposer.
Effect on plants: Beneficial
Photo: Sofia Zvolanek, CC BY 4.0, via iNaturalist (observation)
Armillaria luteobubalina
What it looks like: Clumps of honey-yellow to tan caps 3–10 cm with a ring, at the base of trees in autumn.
Where you'll see it: At the base of living or dead trees and shrubs. It is a root-rot fungus that kills plants.
Effect on plants: Harmful
Photo: maxark, CC BY 4.0, via iNaturalist (observation)
Leucocoprinus fragilissimus
What it looks like: Very thin pale yellow cap 2–4 cm, so delicate it collapses on touch.
Where you'll see it: Leaf litter and mulch. Litter decomposer.
Effect on plants: Beneficial
Photo: Sofia Zvolanek, CC BY 4.0, via iNaturalist (observation)
No widely used common name
What it looks like: Golden-brown wrinkled cap 2–6 cm, ring on stem.
Where you'll see it: On the ground under eucalypts. Partners tree roots.
Effect on plants: Beneficial
Photo: James K. Douch, CC BY-SA 4.0, via iNaturalist (observation)
Ileodictyon gracile
What it looks like: White open lattice ball 5–10 cm, slimy inside. Smells bad.
Where you'll see it: Mulch and leafy ground. Feeds on mulch.
Effect on plants: Beneficial
Photo: Sofia Zvolanek, CC BY 4.0, via iNaturalist (observation)
Porpolomopsis lewelliniae
What it looks like: Lilac to pink conical waxy cap 2–5 cm that splits at the edge.
Where you'll see it: Moss and litter in damp shady spots. Role not well known.
Effect on plants: Beneficial
Photo: Todd Huang, CC BY 4.0, via iNaturalist (observation)
No widely used common name
What it looks like: Small hard cream to tan hoof-shaped brackets 1–4 cm.
Where you'll see it: Dead branches. Rots dead wood.
Effect on plants: Harmless
Photo: Sofia Zvolanek, CC BY 4.0, via iNaturalist (observation)
No widely used common name
What it looks like: Brown cap 3–8 cm, crowded pale gills, tough stem.
Where you'll see it: Eucalypt litter. Litter decomposer.
Effect on plants: Beneficial
Photo: Sofia Zvolanek, CC BY 4.0, via iNaturalist (observation)
Hypholoma fasciculare
What it looks like: Dense clumps of sulphur-yellow caps 2–6 cm with greenish gills.
Where you'll see it: Stumps and buried wood, often pine. Rots dead wood.
Effect on plants: Harmless
Photo: Andrew Holle, CC0 1.0, via iNaturalist (observation)
No widely used common name
What it looks like: Upright bunches of pale to apricot coral branches 5–12 cm.
Where you'll see it: On the ground in eucalypt litter. Likely partners tree roots.
Effect on plants: Beneficial
Photo: Sofia Zvolanek, CC BY 4.0, via iNaturalist (observation)
Phlebopus marginatus
What it looks like: Huge olive-brown cap up to 50 cm on a thick stem, yellow pores.
Where you'll see it: Lawns and parks near trees, often eucalypts. Linked to tree roots.
Effect on plants: Beneficial
Photo: Sofia Zvolanek, CC BY 4.0, via iNaturalist (observation)
No widely used common name
What it looks like: Slimy white to grey cap 3–10 cm with a long rooting stem.
Where you'll see it: Ground over buried wood. Rots buried wood.
Effect on plants: Harmless
Photo: Carl Ramirez, CC BY 4.0, via iNaturalist (observation)
Amanita farinacea
What it looks like: Small white mealy cap 2–5 cm with a floury coating.
Where you'll see it: On the ground under eucalypts. Partners tree roots.
Effect on plants: Beneficial
Photo: Sofia Zvolanek, CC BY 4.0, via iNaturalist (observation)
No widely used common name
What it looks like: Large brown-scaled cap 6–15 cm, flesh stains orange-red when cut.
Where you'll see it: Mulch, compost heaps and rich garden soil. Decomposer.
Effect on plants: Beneficial
Photo: Sofia Zvolanek, CC BY 4.0, via iNaturalist (observation)
No widely used common name
What it looks like: Thin grey-brown zoned brackets with maze-like pores.
Where you'll see it: Dead wood. Rots dead wood.
Effect on plants: Harmless
Photo: ian_mcallan, CC BY 4.0, via iNaturalist (observation)
Laetiporus portentosus
What it looks like: Soft white bracket 10–40 cm, dries chalky. Looks like a lump of foam on the trunk.
Where you'll see it: High on trunks of living and dead eucalypts. Causes heart rot inside the trunk.
Effect on plants: Harmful
Photo: Sofia Zvolanek, CC BY 4.0, via iNaturalist (observation)
Coprinellus disseminatus
What it looks like: Hundreds of tiny grey-white bells under 1.5 cm in a swarm.
Where you'll see it: Around stumps and buried wood. Rots dead wood.
Effect on plants: Harmless
Photo: Sofia Zvolanek, CC BY 4.0, via iNaturalist (observation)
No widely used common name
What it looks like: Tough brown banded brackets 3–8 cm.
Where you'll see it: Dead wood. Rots dead wood.
Effect on plants: Harmless
Photo: Sofia Zvolanek, CC BY 4.0, via iNaturalist (observation)
Phaeohelotium baileyanum
What it looks like: Tiny yellow discs or buttons under 1 cm on the ground.
Where you'll see it: Damp soil and litter. Litter decomposer.
Effect on plants: Beneficial
Photo: Sofia Zvolanek, CC BY 4.0, via iNaturalist (observation)
Tylopilus balloui
What it looks like: Orange cap 4–10 cm with white to pinkish pores.
Where you'll see it: Under eucalypts. Partners tree roots.
Effect on plants: Beneficial
Photo: Sofia Zvolanek, CC BY 4.0, via iNaturalist (observation)
No widely used common name
What it looks like: Small slimy olive-green cap 1–3 cm.
Where you'll see it: Moss and short grass. Role not well known.
Effect on plants: Beneficial
Photo: prossington, CC BY 4.0, via iNaturalist (observation)
No widely used common name
What it looks like: Bright red cap 3–8 cm with white gills and stem; brittle flesh.
Where you'll see it: Under eucalypts. Partners tree roots.
Effect on plants: Beneficial
Photo: Sofia Zvolanek, CC BY 4.0, via iNaturalist (observation)
No widely used common name
What it looks like: Small yellowish-tan coral branches 2–6 cm.
Where you'll see it: Fern and leaf litter. Litter decomposer.
Effect on plants: Beneficial
Photo: Sofia Zvolanek, CC BY 4.0, via iNaturalist (observation)
Macrolepiota clelandii
What it looks like: Tall slender parasol, cap 5–12 cm with brown scales, movable ring.
Where you'll see it: Litter and mulch in gardens and bush. Decomposer.
Effect on plants: Beneficial
Photo: Liam southwell, CC BY 4.0, via iNaturalist (observation)
Abortiporus biennis
What it looks like: Pale rosette or lump 5–15 cm that bruises reddish.
Where you'll see it: Ground near stumps or buried roots. Rots dead wood.
Effect on plants: Harmless
Photo: Sofia Zvolanek, CC BY 4.0, via iNaturalist (observation)
Rickenella fibula
What it looks like: Tiny orange cap under 1 cm on a thin stem.
Where you'll see it: Moss on lawns, paths and logs. Lives with moss.
Effect on plants: Beneficial
Photo: Sofia Zvolanek, CC BY 4.0, via iNaturalist (observation)
Amanita pyramidifera
What it looks like: White cap 5–15 cm covered in small pyramid-shaped warts.
Where you'll see it: Under eucalypts. Partners tree roots.
Effect on plants: Beneficial
Photo: ian_mcallan, CC BY 4.0, via iNaturalist (observation)
Aleurina ferruginea
What it looks like: Rusty-brown cups 1–3 cm on the ground.
Where you'll see it: Bare soil and litter. Decomposer.
Effect on plants: Beneficial
Photo: Eamonn Culhane, CC BY 4.0, via iNaturalist (observation)
Anthracophyllum archeri
What it looks like: Small orange-red fans 1–3 cm with sparse gills.
Where you'll see it: Dead twigs. Rots dead wood.
Effect on plants: Harmless
Photo: Sofia Zvolanek, CC BY 4.0, via iNaturalist (observation)
No widely used common name
What it looks like: Small pink-orange coral branches 2–5 cm.
Where you'll see it: Litter and moss. Role not well known.
Effect on plants: Beneficial
Photo: Sofia Zvolanek, CC BY 4.0, via iNaturalist (observation)
No widely used common name
What it looks like: Tiny cream fans under 2 cm; the threads glow at night.
Where you'll see it: Dead wood. Rots dead wood.
Effect on plants: Harmless
Photo: Sofia Zvolanek, CC BY 4.0, via iNaturalist (observation)
Cymatoderma elegans
What it looks like: Tough tan goblet or funnel 5–15 cm with ridged surface.
Where you'll see it: Buried and fallen wood. Rots dead wood.
Effect on plants: Harmless
Photo: Sofia Zvolanek, CC BY 4.0, via iNaturalist (observation)
Boletellus obscurecoccineus
What it looks like: Pink-red cap 3–8 cm with yellow pores and a pink scaly stem.
Where you'll see it: Under eucalypts. Partners tree roots.
Effect on plants: Beneficial
Photo: Sofia Zvolanek, CC BY 4.0, via iNaturalist (observation)
Lycoperdon perlatum
What it looks like: White to tan pear-shaped ball 3–6 cm covered in little spines; puffs brown spores when old.
Where you'll see it: Lawns, mulch and litter. Decomposer.
Effect on plants: Beneficial
Photo: Todd Huang, CC BY 4.0, via iNaturalist (observation)
No widely used common name
What it looks like: Grey-brown bell-shaped cap 1–3 cm in clusters.
Where you'll see it: Dead wood. Rots dead wood.
Effect on plants: Harmless
Photo: Sofia Zvolanek, CC BY 4.0, via iNaturalist (observation)
No widely used common name
What it looks like: Rusty-orange cap 2–6 cm, rusty spores.
Where you'll see it: Dead wood and woodchips. Rots dead wood.
Effect on plants: Harmless
Photo: Sofia Zvolanek, CC BY 4.0, via iNaturalist (observation)
No widely used common name
What it looks like: Lilac-tan cap 4–10 cm with lilac gills.
Where you'll see it: Litter, compost and mulch. Decomposer.
Effect on plants: Beneficial
Photo: ian_mcallan, CC BY 4.0, via iNaturalist (observation)
Phallus indusiatus
What it looks like: White stalk 10–20 cm with a lacy white skirt and a slimy olive tip.
Where you'll see it: Mulch and rich soil. Feeds on mulch.
Effect on plants: Beneficial
Photo: Tess McGrigor, CC0 1.0, via iNaturalist (observation)
No widely used common name
What it looks like: Small hard black bumps on bark.
Where you'll see it: Dead wood. Rots dead wood.
Effect on plants: Harmless
Photo: James K. Douch, CC BY-SA 4.0, via iNaturalist (observation)
Amanita marmorata
What it looks like: Grey-brown streaky cap 4–8 cm, white gills, ring and cup at the base.
Where you'll see it: Under trees in coastal sand. Partners tree roots.
Effect on plants: Beneficial
Photo: Sofia Zvolanek, CC BY 4.0, via iNaturalist (observation)
No widely used common name
What it looks like: Yellow-brown cap 2–5 cm, rusty spores.
Where you'll see it: Dead wood and woodchips. Rots dead wood.
Effect on plants: Harmless
Photo: Sofia Zvolanek, CC BY 4.0, via iNaturalist (observation)
No widely used common name
What it looks like: Slimy mustard-yellow cap 3–8 cm.
Where you'll see it: Under eucalypts. Partners tree roots.
Effect on plants: Beneficial
Photo: Sofia Zvolanek, CC BY 4.0, via iNaturalist (observation)
Pseudocolus fusiformis
What it looks like: Three orange arms joined at the tip, 5–10 cm. Stinks.
Where you'll see it: Mulch and woodchips. Feeds on mulch.
Effect on plants: Beneficial
Photo: Billie, CC0 1.0, via iNaturalist (observation)
Fomitopsis lilacinogilva
What it looks like: Woody cream to brown bracket 5–15 cm with lilac-pink pores.
Where you'll see it: Dead eucalypt wood and dead parts of trees. Brown-rots wood.
Effect on plants: Harmless
Photo: Sofia Zvolanek, CC BY 4.0, via iNaturalist (observation)
Trichaptum biforme
What it looks like: Thin grey fans 1–5 cm with violet pore edge.
Where you'll see it: Dead wood. Rots dead wood.
Effect on plants: Harmless
Photo: Sofia Zvolanek, CC BY 4.0, via iNaturalist (observation)
No widely used common name
What it looks like: Pale coral with flattened tips, 4–10 cm.
Where you'll see it: Under eucalypts. Likely partners tree roots.
Effect on plants: Beneficial
Photo: Sofia Zvolanek, CC BY 4.0, via iNaturalist (observation)
No widely used common name
What it looks like: Red cap 3–8 cm that cracks to show yellow flesh; yellow pores bruise blue.
Where you'll see it: Under eucalypts. Partners tree roots.
Effect on plants: Beneficial
Photo: Geoff Shuetrim, CC BY 4.0, via iNaturalist (observation)
Tremella fuciformis
What it looks like: Clear-white frilly jelly 3–8 cm.
Where you'll see it: Dead branches, where it lives off other wood fungi.
Effect on plants: Harmless
Photo: Sofia Zvolanek, CC BY 4.0, via iNaturalist (observation)
Armillaria novae-zelandiae
What it looks like: Clusters of slimy brown caps 2–6 cm with a ring.
Where you'll see it: Base of trees and stumps in damp areas. Root-rot fungus.
Effect on plants: Harmful
Photo: Sofia Zvolanek, CC BY 4.0, via iNaturalist (observation)
Conocybe apala
What it looks like: Tiny pale cone cap 1–3 cm on a very thin, fragile stem.
Where you'll see it: Lawns, mostly in the morning after rain. Decomposer.
Effect on plants: Beneficial
Photo: Sofia Zvolanek, CC BY 4.0, via iNaturalist (observation)
Agaricus xanthodermus
What it looks like: White mushroom 5–15 cm that stains chrome-yellow at the stem base when cut; smells like ink or phenol.
Where you'll see it: Lawns and garden beds in towns. Decomposer.
Effect on plants: Beneficial
Photo: Beau Meister, CC BY 4.0, via iNaturalist (observation)
Ganoderma australe
What it looks like: Big hard brown bracket 10–50 cm with a white edge; cocoa-brown spore dust nearby.
Where you'll see it: Base and trunks of living trees, stumps. Causes root, butt and trunk rot.
Effect on plants: Harmful
Photo: Sofia Zvolanek, CC BY 4.0, via iNaturalist (observation)
Amanita phalloides
What it looks like: Yellow-green to olive cap 4–16 cm, white gills, skirt-like ring, cup at the base.
Where you'll see it: Under oak trees in parks and gardens (found in Canberra and Victoria; a few iNat records in Sydney). Partners oak roots.
Effect on plants: Beneficial
Photo: Sofia Zvolanek, CC BY 4.0, via iNaturalist (observation)
Sources: iNaturalist research-grade records for Greater Sydney (October 2026); Queensland Health, mushroom poisoning; Pet Poison Helpline; published veterinary case reports; NSW DPI and other state government fact sheets on Armillaria and Ganoderma. Toxicity marked "Unknown" means no species-level record was found. Photos are from iNaturalist under the licences shown.
Worried about fungi on a tree or in your lawn? I can take a look and tell you what I see, and point you to an arborist if the tree needs one.
