Mycorrhizal with broadleaved trees, especially oak, birch and linden, often on acid, sandy soil in parks and waysides

Edible — a decent table mushroom among the mild brittlegills

• ▸ Dull blue-green to grey-green cap with a whitish bloom (pruina) that looks frosted or even mouldy
• ▸ Brittle, white to cream gills and a firm white stem, often with ochre spots at the base
• ▸ Mild taste, the gills occasionally slightly hot
• ▸ Cream spore print

Mild brittlegills are edible — the rule is: take a taste test, only mild specimens go in the basket.