Emma Wilson
While purple mushrooms are not very common, they are a delight to spot in the forest. There are several varieties of purple mushrooms, including the Cortinarius violaceus, also known as the violet webcap, which has vibrant purple gills, cap, and stem. Another variety is the amethyst deceiver (Laccaria amethystina), which produces enchanting amethyst purple fruiting bodies. While some people consider purple mushrooms to be inedible or toxic, others claim that all mushrooms are edible, but some are only edible once. The edibility of certain purple mushrooms, such as the Cortinarius violaceus, is debated, with some sources claiming they are edible but not tasty, while others warn against consuming them due to their similarity to toxic webcaps. Therefore, it is essential to exercise caution and refrain from consuming any wild mushrooms unless you are absolutely certain of their edibility.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Name of poisonous purple mushroom | Cortinarius violaceus, also known as Violet Webcap |
| Other names | Cortinarius iodes, spotted cort, viscid violet cort, Cortinarius iodeoides, Iodes |
| Colour | Dark purple, violet, blue, or black |
| Cap diameter | Up to 12-15 cm |
| Gills | Dark violet, turning purplish-brown or rusty brown with age |
| Spore print colour | Rust-coloured or rusty brown |
| Spore shape | Almond-shaped or elliptical |
| Habitat | Temperate forests of North America, Europe, and Asia; rare in Europe and endangered in the British Isles |
| Seasonality | Grows in autumn in Europe |
| Edibility | Considered inedible or edible but not choice; similar in appearance to toxic webcaps |
| Toxicity | Not overly poisonous, but not recommended for consumption due to the toxicity of other mushrooms in the genus Cortinarius |
| Related species | C. hercynicus, C. palatinus, C. neotropicus, C. altissimus, C. kioloensis, C. hallowellensis, C. rubellus, C. orellanus, Inocybe lilacina (lilac fibrecap) |
| Other purple mushrooms | Indigo milk cap (edible), Sky blue mushroom (edibility unknown) |
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What You'll Learn
- The violet webcap (Cortinarius violaceus) is edible but not recommended due to its bitter taste and similarity to toxic webcaps
- The amethyst deceiver (Laccaria amethystina) is edible but not very tasty and can be confused with poisonous mushrooms
- Cortinarius iodes, or spotted cort, is not recommended for consumption despite not being overly poisonous
- Cortinarius iodeoides is likely toxic due to its bitter-tasting cap slime
- Indigo milk caps are edible but mild to acrid in taste
The violet webcap (Cortinarius violaceus) is edible but not recommended due to its bitter taste and similarity to toxic webcaps
The violet webcap (Cortinarius violaceus) is a type of mushroom that is native to North America, Europe, and Asia. It is characterised by its vibrant purple gills, cap, and stem, and can be found in deciduous woodland during autumn, particularly among oak, birch, and beech trees. While it is considered edible, there are several reasons why consuming it is not recommended.
Firstly, the violet webcap has a bitter taste, making it unappealing to those who have cooked and consumed it. Additionally, its similarity in appearance to other toxic varieties of webcaps makes it a risky choice for foragers. The Cortinarius genus includes several seriously poisonous species, such as Cortinarius rubellus and Cortinarius orellanus, which have caused fatalities. Therefore, mistaking the violet webcap for one of these toxic varieties could have dangerous consequences.
Furthermore, the violet webcap is a rare mushroom, particularly in Europe, where it is listed as endangered in the British Isles. Its scarcity makes it a valuable find for mycologists and fungi enthusiasts, who appreciate its beauty and unusual colouration. However, due to its rarity, some experts advise against gathering and consuming this species, as it is important to preserve their natural habitat and populations.
The violet webcap also has unique characteristics that distinguish it from other mushroom species. Its fruit bodies can reach up to 12-15 cm in cap diameter and exhibit a distinct dark purple colour. Additionally, the gills of immature specimens are covered by a purple, web-like partial veil called a cortina, which breaks as the cap expands. As the spores mature, the gills transition from dark violet to purplish-brown and eventually to a rusty brown colour, producing a rusty brown spore print.
In summary, while the violet webcap (Cortinarius violaceus) is technically edible, it is not recommended for consumption due to its bitter taste and the risk of misidentification with toxic webcaps. Its rarity, unique colouration, and distinctive features make it a fascinating species for observation and study, but it is important to exercise caution and refrain from consuming it unless properly identified by an expert.
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The amethyst deceiver (Laccaria amethystina) is edible but not very tasty and can be confused with poisonous mushrooms
Purple mushrooms are quite delightful to come across during strolls through the forest, but they are not very common. The amethyst deceiver (Laccaria amethystina) is one such mushroom with a bright purple colour and lilac flesh. It is edible but not very tasty, and only the caps are worth collecting as the fibrous stems are tough and inedible. The gills are widely spaced and deep purple, and the stem is covered in tiny white hairs. The amethyst deceiver is widespread and common in Britain and Ireland, mainland Europe, Asia, and North and South America. It grows in broadleaved and coniferous woodlands among the leaf litter, and it is often found with beech trees.
While the amethyst deceiver is edible, it can be confused with poisonous mushrooms, such as the Lilac fibrecap (Inocybe lilacina). The Lilac fibrecap is quite poisonous and contains toxic levels of muscarine, which can cause significant nerve toxicity. It is important to never pick and eat fungi that you cannot positively identify.
The violet webcap (Cortinarius violaceus) is another purple mushroom that is sometimes considered inedible and sometimes considered edible but not a preferred choice. Its similarity to other inedible or toxic webcaps makes it risky to eat. The colour of C. violaceus is caused by an elusive pigment that has been difficult to isolate, and it contains around 100 times more iron than the fruiting bodies of most other fungi. C. violaceus is found across North America, Europe, and Asia, but it is not common anywhere in Europe and is listed as endangered in the British Isles.
There are also other purple mushrooms in the Cortinarius genus that are similar to C. violaceus but can be differentiated based on host and geography as they do not occur in the same locations. For example, certain Leptonia species in northwestern North America, such as L. carnea and L. nigroviolacea, have a similar colour but can be differentiated by their pink spore print. Additionally, some mushrooms in the cortinarius family, which are more orange and tan in colour, are toxic and can lead to gradual kidney failure. It is crucial to properly identify any mushroom before consuming it to avoid potential health risks.
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Cortinarius iodes, or spotted cort, is not recommended for consumption despite not being overly poisonous
While not all purple mushrooms are poisonous, there are some varieties that should be avoided. Cortinarius iodes, or spotted cort, is one such example. Although it is not considered overly poisonous, it is not recommended for consumption.
Cortinarius iodes is a distinctive species of agaric fungus, recognised by its small, slimy caps, which can reach up to 6 cm in diameter. The cap is initially lilac or purple in colour, but as the mushroom matures, it develops yellowish spots and streaks, and the colour fades. The flesh of the mushroom is white, firm, and thin. The gills of Cortinarius iodes are violet when young, but as the spores mature, they turn to a rusty or grayish-brown colour. The mushroom grows in the Americas and northern Asia, typically in deciduous woodland during autumn, especially among oak, birch and beech trees. It can also occasionally be found with conifers.
The similarity of Cortinarius iodes to other inedible or toxic mushrooms in the Cortinarius genus may be a reason why it is not recommended for consumption. For example, the violet cort (C. violaceus) has a dry, scaly, dark purple cap and stem, and the pungent cort (C. traganus) has a dry, light purple cap and stem and a bad odour. Both of these species are likely to be confused with C. iodes due to their similar colouration and morphology. Furthermore, some varieties of the Cortinarius species are known to be toxic, leading to gradual kidney failure if ingested. Therefore, it is advisable to err on the side of caution and avoid consuming C. iodes, even though it may not be highly poisonous.
Another reason for the recommendation against consuming C. iodes could be the presence of a slimy coating on the fruit bodies. While this coating may serve a protective function against predation by insects and other invertebrates, it could be unappealing or unpleasant for consumption. Additionally, the mushroom is reported to have a bitter taste, which may further deter people from eating it.
In summary, while Cortinarius iodes, or spotted cort, may not be excessively poisonous, it is still not advised for consumption due to its resemblance to other toxic mushrooms in the Cortinarius genus and the unpalatable characteristics it possesses, such as its bitter taste and slimy coating. It is always better to be cautious when it comes to wild mushroom foraging to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience.
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Cortinarius iodeoides is likely toxic due to its bitter-tasting cap slime
Cortinarius iodeoides is a slimy, purple mushroom that belongs to the genus Cortinarius, the largest genus of mushrooms in the world. It is one of two very closely related species, the other being Cortinarius iodes. While iodeoides has a bitter-tasting cap slime, iodes does not. This distinction in taste likely indicates toxicity in the iodeoides species.
The mushroom's cap is protected by a partial veil or cortina, a tissue that shields the gills underneath from external elements. The gills produce a rusty brown spore print, and the mushroom is mycorrhizal with oaks, meaning it engages in a mutually beneficial relationship with the trees. The mushroom aids the tree in absorbing water and nutrients, while the tree provides sugars and amino acids to the fungus.
Cortinarius iodeoides is often referred to as the "spotted cort" or "viscid violet cort". While it is not considered overly poisonous, it is also not recommended for consumption. Other mushrooms in the Cortinarius family, particularly those with orange and tan colours, are known to be toxic and can lead to gradual kidney failure. Therefore, it is essential to exercise caution and refrain from consuming any mushrooms that cannot be positively identified as non-toxic.
The violet webcap (Cortinarius violaceus) is another species of purple mushroom found across temperate forests of North America, Europe, and Asia. It has vibrant purple gills, cap, and stem when young, but its purple colouration fades with age. This species is sometimes considered edible but not particularly palatable. Its resemblance to other inedible or toxic webcaps makes it risky to consume.
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Indigo milk caps are edible but mild to acrid in taste
While purple mushrooms are not very common, they are a delight to come across on walks through the forest. Indigo milk caps are one such variety of purple mushrooms that are edible but have a mild to acrid taste. Some people like the taste, while others do not. They are typically found in deciduous and coniferous forests of southern and eastern North America and are sold in rural markets in Guatemala, Mexico, and Yunnan Province in southwest China.
Indigo milk caps are also known as Lactarius indigo and are a member of the Lactarius family. They are easily identified by their indigo-coloured caps, which can also be dark purple or violet. The caps can reach a diameter of up to 12 cm, making them quite striking. The gills of the mushroom are also violet in colour, becoming purplish-brown with age. The stipe, or stem, is usually purple as well, often covered in fine hairs, and can measure up to about 3 inches tall.
While indigo milk caps are edible, there are other purple mushrooms that are not recommended for consumption. For example, the Cortinarius violaceus, or Violet Webcap, is considered edible by some but not by others. Its similarity to other inedible or toxic webcaps makes it risky to consume. Additionally, certain populations of Cortinarius violaceus prefer deciduous trees, while others prefer pines, further complicating their identification.
The Inocybe lilacina, or lilac fibrecap, is another example of a poisonous purple mushroom. It contains toxic levels of muscarine and can cause significant nerve toxicity if ingested. Therefore, it is important to properly identify any purple mushrooms before considering consuming them.
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