This species of mushroom is edible, but it has a mild acrid taste and distinct bleach-like odour, making it unpleasant to eat.

[6] Mycena alcalina is saprotrophic, meaning it derives nutrients from the breakdown of organic materials through use of extracellular enzymes.

It is also found throughout Europe, generally growing in densely forested areas including Britain, Finland, the Netherlands, Norway and Spain.

Some mushrooms produce large amounts of extracellular enzymes, which break down the toxins and render them inert or less dangerous.

In the case of Mycena alcalina, it is believed that the bleach-like odor is due to this species ability to break down chlorinated compounds.