EDIBLE with same cautions as L. nuda: Must be thoroughly cooked - NEVER eat raw. Can cause allergic reactions in some people. The strong floral perfume odor can be overpowering in dishes. Try small amounts first to test tolerance. Verify PINK SPORE PRINT to distinguish from Cortinarius. The pale colors and strong sweet fragrance are diagnostic. Less commonly collected than L. nuda. Cook thoroughly and start with small portions. Some people find the perfume odor unpleasant. Edible but proceed with caution.
The Flowery Blewit is similar to L. nuda but generally paler. Cap 4-12 cm across, convex becoming flat, pale lilac to pinkish-lilac or buff with subtle purple tones. The cap fades faster than L. nuda, often becoming entirely buff-tan. The surface is smooth. The gills are adnate, pale lilac to pinkish becoming pale tan. The stem is 4-8 cm tall, pale lilac to whitish with purple tones, with a slightly bulbous base. The flesh is pale, thin, with a distinctive sweet floral perfume-like odor (stronger and more flowery than L. nuda).
| Family | Unknown |
|---|---|
| Genus | Lepista |
| Edibility | Edible* |
| Toxicity | unknown |
| Season | Aug-Nov |
| Habitat | Found in deciduous and coniferous forests, woodland edges, and grassy areas near trees. Grows in leaf litter and rich organic soil. Fruits scattered to gregarious, sometimes in rings. Prefers areas with good humus and moisture retention. |
| Region | Europe (common), Eastern North America (uncommon), Pacific Northwest (occasional), Temperate forests worldwide, Less common than L. nuda overall |
Habitat: Found in deciduous and coniferous forests, woodland edges, and grassy areas near trees. Grows in leaf litter and rich organic soil. Fruits scattered to gregarious, sometimes in rings. Prefers areas with good humus and moisture retention.
Region: Europe (common), Eastern North America (uncommon), Pacific Northwest (occasional), Temperate forests worldwide, Less common than L. nuda overall
Late summer through fall (August-November) in most regions. Earlier than L. nuda, typically fruiting before hard frosts. Peak in September-October.
Typical months: Aug-Nov
Always verify identification to avoid these similar species. The differentiator is the point — learn the one or two tells that separate them:
very similar, deeper purple color, later season
synonym for Lepista nuda
rusty brown spores not pink
smaller, more uniformly purple
Pin the patch before you leave it. Coordinates, photos, and field notes stay on your device — and the offline lookalike guide travels with you into the deep woods.
Download Mushroom TrackerDisclaimer: This guide is for educational purposes only. Never consume a wild mushroom unless you are 100% certain of its identification.