Nestcap - Mock Oyster - Mushroom
Phyllotopsis nidulans
This is a late summer - fall fruiting mushroom most commonly found in the eastern Great Lakes region but it is widely distributed throughout North America. In warmer areas the season will extend through winter. Distinguishing characteristics include a pale pink to pinkish brown spore print, orange colored cap and gills, hairy caps, an unpleasant odor and a taste as bad as the smell.
I can’t confirm the last two characteristics. I didn’t smell anything since I don’t usually stick my nose in where it doesn’t belong. And there’s no way to get me to put anything named “Oyster” (mock or not) in my mouth.
Now I could be wrong about the identification. My Peterson Field Guide to Mushrooms states that Nestcap is frequently confused with Phyllotopsis subnidulans which has a more orange color, thinner - more widely spaced gills and curved spores. (instead of smooth, short elliptic ones)
EDIT: Dec. 4, 2008 (4 hours later) I went back to get a sniff. There was no odor. One web site did mention there was no odor if these were growing on conifers. (dead of course) These were growing on a Hemlock taking a dirt nap.

Also added this photo so you could get an idea of the size.
Once again the images are linked to larger sizes (1024 x 768) for a closer look or to use as desktop backgrounds.









