Emma Wilson
Wisconsin is known for its variety of mushrooms, with enthusiasts flocking to the state for mushroom hunting. The state is home to several species of edible mushrooms, including the Morel, the Black Morel, the Blewits, the Fairy Ring Mushroom, the Chicken of the Woods, the Hen of the Woods, the Chanterelle, the Giant Puffball, and the Purple Laccaria ochropurpurea. While the Purple Laccaria ochropurpurea mushroom fades to tan with age, with only the gills retaining their purple hue, it is important to note that many poisonous Cortinarius species also feature purple in their caps.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Colour | Purple |
| Cap | Wide |
| Stem | Short |
| Odor | Distinctive |
| Location | Near streams on steep, south-facing berms; lawns; forest clearings; pastures |
| Time of year | Summer, Fall |
| Similar species | Many poisonous Cortinarius species also have purple on them |
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What You'll Learn
Laccaria ochropurpurea is a purple mushroom that fades to tan with age
Laccaria ochropurpurea, commonly known as purple laccaria, is a vibrant purple mushroom that gradually fades to tan as it matures. This colour shift is a distinctive feature of the species, with only the gills retaining their purple hue as the cap and stem take on a more muted tone. Laccaria ochropurpurea is a sought-after find for foragers due to its unique appearance and edible nature.
Laccaria ochropurpurea is native to regions with white and red oaks and is often found alongside other mushrooms such as chicken of the woods and hen of the woods. Foragers typically encounter this species in late summer and fall, making it a colourful addition to the mushroom foraging season. While the caps are edible and suitable for cooking, the stems tend to be fibrous and tough, rendering them unsuitable for consumption.
Purple laccaria mushrooms possess a mild, pleasant mushroomy flavour. They are versatile in the kitchen and can be incorporated into various dishes such as soups, stews, casseroles, and mixed mushroom recipes. Their eye-catching colour adds a unique aesthetic appeal to meals, making them a fun ingredient for culinary experimentation. However, it is important to note that the purple hue fades during cooking, so they may lose their vibrant colour when prepared.
When foraging for Laccaria ochropurpurea, it is crucial to exercise caution. While this species is edible, many poisonous Cortinarius species also exhibit purple coloration. Therefore, it is essential to correctly identify the mushroom before consumption to avoid any potential health risks associated with ingesting toxic varieties. Proper identification can be facilitated through the use of field guides and consulting experts in mycology.
In Wisconsin, mushroom enthusiasts can explore a diverse array of fungi, including edible varieties such as Agaricus campestris, Boletus edulis, Calvatia gigantea, Hypsizygus ulmarius, and Laccaria ochropurpurea. The Wisconsin Mycological Society provides resources for those interested in learning more about mushroom identification and edible species. With a rich variety of mushrooms, Wisconsin offers ample opportunities for both novice and experienced foragers to explore the fascinating world of fungi.
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Chicken of the Woods is a meaty mushroom that grows on oak trees
Chicken of the Woods is a distinctive bright sulphur-yellow or orange mushroom that grows on oak trees. It is also known as the Sulphur Shelf or Sulphur Polypore. This meaty mushroom is often described as tasting like chicken, hence its name. It is a bracket fungus, with soft and thick flesh that gets denser and tougher as it matures. The caps are often multi-coloured, with deep orange centres that lighten towards the edges, turning yellow or white.
Chicken of the Woods is found growing on or at the base of dead or dying hardwood trees, most commonly oaks, but also cherry and beech trees. It can also be found on conifer stumps and living trees. This mushroom typically grows from spring to early autumn, although it may appear as early as June. It is usually found in forests but can also grow in parks, on hillsides, along trails and roadsides.
Chicken of the Woods is considered a delicacy in certain parts of Germany and North America. It can be frozen for long periods and still remain edible. However, some people may experience mild allergic reactions such as swollen lips, or in rare cases, nausea, vomiting, dizziness, and disorientation. Therefore, it is recommended to exercise caution when consuming this mushroom for the first time.
Chicken of the Woods is just one of the many interesting mushrooms that can be found in Wisconsin. Mushroom hunting is a popular activity in the state, with enthusiasts sharing their finds and experiences online. Other edible mushrooms that can be found in Wisconsin include the Morel, the Black Morel, the Fairy Ring Mushroom, and the Aspen Oyster Mushroom.
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Hunting for purple mushrooms in Wisconsin
Hunting for mushrooms can be a fun activity, and the results are rewarding and tasty. Here is a guide to hunting for purple mushrooms in Wisconsin.
Where to Find Purple Mushrooms in Wisconsin
Laccaria ochropurpurea is a species of purple mushroom that can be found in Wisconsin. This mushroom has gills that remain purple even as the rest of the mushroom fades to tan with age. It is important to exercise caution when hunting for this species, as many poisonous Cortinarius mushrooms also have purple on them.
When to Find Purple Mushrooms in Wisconsin
The timing of your mushroom hunt will depend on the specific species you are targeting. For example, Laccaria ochropurpurea is known to be quite common in the late fall, but it can also be found in the early spring. Other mushroom species in Wisconsin, like the Morel, are more commonly found in the spring (May).
What to Look For
Laccaria ochropurpurea is characterised by its purple gills and tan cap. It is important to be able to accurately identify this species, as many poisonous Cortinarius mushrooms may also have purple hues. To aid in identification, it is recommended to use a field guide.
Other Mushroom Species in Wisconsin
In addition to Laccaria ochropurpurea, there are several other mushroom species that can be found in Wisconsin, including:
- Hen of the Woods (found growing on oak trees)
- Chicken of the Woods (found growing on oak trees)
- Chanterelles
- Aspen Oyster Mushrooms (found on dead Aspen trees)
- Giant Puffballs (commonly found in late August through September)
- Black Morel
- Fairy Ring Mushroom (commonly found in summer and fall in lawns)
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Purple mushrooms in pictures from Wisconsin
The purple mushroom, Laccaria ochropurpurea, is a common find in Wisconsin. This mushroom has a unique characteristic in that it fades to tan with age, with only the gills retaining their purple hue. This feature is important for identification, as many poisonous Cortinarius species also have purple on them.
The Laccaria ochropurpurea is not the only purple mushroom found in Wisconsin. Another example is the Lepista nuda, which is a common pink-purplish-tan mushroom with a wide cap and a short stem. It has a distinctive odour that helps identify it.
In addition to these, there are other colourful mushrooms found in Wisconsin. For instance, the Sulphur Shelf (Laetiporus sulphureus) is a bright sulphur yellow mushroom that grows on trees. The Chicken of the Woods mushroom has two varieties, one of which is the White Pored Chicken of the Woods (L. Cincinnatus), which is white underneath the mushroom's petals, and the other is the Sulphur Shelf Chicken of the Woods (L sulphureus), which is yellow underneath the petals. The Hen of the Woods is another mushroom that grows in Wisconsin in autumn and is typically found near the base of oak trees or stumps.
Lastly, there are also white mushrooms found in Wisconsin, such as the Aspen Oyster Mushroom, which grows on dead Aspen trees, and the Old Man of the Woods Mushroom, which is found in late summer or early fall in mixed Oak and Hickory forests.
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Identifying purple mushrooms
There are several types of purple mushrooms, including the amethyst deceiver (Laccaria amethystina), the violet webcap (Cortinarius violaceus), and the purple mushroom Laccaria ochropurpurea. Here are some tips for identifying these and other purple mushrooms:
Amethyst Deceiver (Laccaria amethystina)
The amethyst deceiver is a gilled, cap-and-stipe mushroom that produces enchanting amethyst purple fruiting bodies when young and fresh. As it matures, dries out, or endures weathering, it turns a cream-to-brown colour, making it difficult to identify without its vibrant purple coloration. When immature, it has a convex-shaped cap with in-rolled margins. As it matures, the cap expands to broadly convex or flat, and can grow up to about 2 inches in diameter. It is commonly found in temperate forested regions across Asia, northern South America, Central America, eastern North America, and Europe.
Violet Webcap (Cortinarius violaceus)
The violet webcap is a dark purple mushroom with vibrant purple gills, cap, and stem (or stipe). It is easily identified when immature to mature, with a convex-shaped cap that expands as it grows. The cap can be covered in dense fine hairs, giving it a fuzzy or scaly texture. As the mushroom ages, it turns mostly brown with some purple streaks. The gills are dark violet when young, becoming purplish-grey and eventually rusty brown as the spores mature. The stipe is purple and often covered in wool-like fibrils, with purple mycelium sometimes present at the base. The violet webcap occurs across temperate forests of North America, Europe, and Asia, and is considered endangered in the British Isles.
Laccaria ochropurpurea
This purple mushroom has gills that remain purple while the rest of the mushroom fades to tan with age. It is important to note that many poisonous Cortinarius species also have purple on them, so care should be taken when identifying and consuming this mushroom.
In general, it is important to seek advice from a local expert before consuming any wild mushrooms, as even mushrooms that do not taste bad can be very dangerous.
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Frequently asked questions
Purple mushrooms refer to a variety of mushrooms that have purple caps. Some common types of purple mushrooms are Laccaria ochropurpurea and Lepista nuda.
Yes, purple mushrooms can be found in Wisconsin. In the fall of 2022, pictures of purple mushrooms were posted on Reddit by users in Wisconsin.
While some purple mushrooms like Laccaria ochropurpurea are edible, many poisonous Cortinarius species also have purple on them. Therefore, it is important to be cautious and properly identify the type of mushroom before consuming it.
Purple mushrooms can be found in a variety of locations, including forests, lawns, and pastures. They often appear after heavy rain and can be found growing on trees, in the ground, or on decaying logs.
Purple mushrooms can be identified by their distinctive colour and other physical characteristics. For example, Laccaria ochropurpurea fades to tan with age, with only the gills remaining purple, while Lepista nuda has a wide cap, a short stem, and a distinctive odour.
