✅ Edibility Note
While Laccaria amethystina is considered edible, always consult an expert before foraging, as some lookalikes may be toxic.
Description
Laccaria amethystina is a small to medium-sized mushroom characterized by its striking violet to purple cap and gills. The cap is smooth and can be slightly sticky when wet, while the gills are closely spaced and free from the stem.
Key Identification Features
Field marks recorded for this species. Work through all of them, not just one:
- Cap color ranges from violet to purple
- Gills are free and closely spaced
- Stipe is slender and often the same color as the cap
- Flesh is white to pale violet
- Spore print is white to pale cream
Habitat & Distribution
Habitat: Typically found in deciduous and coniferous forests, often in leaf litter or mossy areas.
Region: Widely distributed across Europe and North America.
Seasonality
Fruits from late summer to early autumn.
Typical months: Aug-Oct
Common Lookalikes
Always verify identification to avoid these similar species:
- Laccaria laccata (edible) - Has a more orange-brown cap and is generally larger.
- Laccaria proxima (unknown) - Similar in color but has a more robust stipe and different habitat preferences.
- Cortinarius species (some poisonous) - May have a similar color but usually have a more pronounced veil and darker spore print.
Related Species
Browse all species in the Mushroom Database →
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