Mushroom
A rare recessive gene that dilutes chestnut to a sepia tone.
What does this colour look like?
On a chestnut base: a sepia/mushroom body, often with flaxen mane and tail. Mostly described in Shetland ponies.
- Body
- sepia / mushroom
- Mane and tail
- flaxen
- Legs
- sepia
- Skin
- dark
- Eyes
- brown
How does this colour arise?
Mushroom dilutes red to a greyish sepia. Rare.
More about the genetics
Mushroom (Mu) is recessive and dilutes red pigment. Chestnuts that are Mu/Mu show a sepia coat. Rare and mostly described in pony breeds.
What is this colour often confused with?
- Flaxen chestnut
A chestnut with strikingly light, almost blonde mane and tail.
- Silver
Silver turns black mane and tail light grey to almost white, often with dapples in the coat.
Which breeds show this colour?
Discover more
Sources: UC Davis Veterinary Genetics Laboratory · Sponenberg, D.P. & Bellone, R.R. (Wiley-Blackwell). The source lists this as still to be verified; provisional.