The Hairy-Stalked Gymnopus is a decomposer of woodland duff that can be found from late summer through fall. It can be found east of the Rocky Mountains in woodland areas. As is true with many other species of Gymnopus, this species has an elastic consistency throughout, has shallow gills with occasional cross veins (see below), and grows on woodland duff.

The main distinctive characteristic of G. spongiosus is the dense reddish-brown hairs on the stem from the base extending to the apex.

August 18th, 2023 Field Notes - Indian Cave State Park

• Growing individually on well-decayed hardwood log in deep, wet mixed oak/hickory woodland draw.
• Gills adnexed to free.
• Stipe very hirsute near base.
• Smell: reminiscent of chocolate.

September 12th, 2023 Field Notes - Indian Cave State Park

• Growing scattered on woodland duff in mixed oak woodland edge.
• Caps light brown with a darker center.
• Lamellae adnexed, light tan, forking or with crossveins.
• Stipe colored similarly to lamellae at apex, transitioning to a reddish brown base covered in light brown wooly mycelium.