Pholiota squarrosa

Scientific name:  Pholiota squarrosa (Fries) Kummer
Derivation of name:  Squarros- means "with upright scales,
rough, scurfy" (squarrose) in reference to the prominent scales.
Synonyms:  
Common name(s):  Scaly Pholiota.
Phylum:   Basidiomycota
Order:   Agaricales
Family:   Strophariaceae
Occurrence on wood substrate:  Saprobic; typically in
cespitose clusters on living or dead deciduous or conifer wood,
sometimes at the base of the tree; July through November. 
Dimensions:  Caps 2.5-10 cm; stipes 5-10 cm long and 3-15
mm thick.   
Cap: Dry; yellow-brown surface covered with pinkish-tan or
brownish scales.     
Gills: Attached; yellow at first, developing green tones, rust-
brown at maturity.
Spore print: Brown.
Stipe: Dry; scaly like the cap.
Veil: Yellowish partial veil leaving persistent membranous ring
or sometimes ring zone on upper stalk.
Edibility: Poisonous. Although some people eat it, it is not
recommended as there are reports of gastric upset following
ingestion.
Comments: Some specimens have an odor of onions or garlic.

More information at RogersMushrooms.com:   

 
Figure 1. Typical cespitose cluster on wood. Photo© David
Work.    

Figure 2. These specimens were collected and identified
during the 2003 NEMF foray.

Figure 3. A closer view of the specimen on the right in
Figure 2.