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Cortinarius caperatus, commonly known as the gypsy mushroom, is an edible mushroom found in Europe and North America. It is characterized by its wrinkled cap surface and a distinctive ring on the stem. It is often found in coniferous and deciduous forests.
How to Identify
- Cap
- 2-10 cm in diameter, ovoid when young, becoming convex to flattened with age. The surface is ochre to yellowish-brown, covered with wrinkles and a whitish bloom when young.
- Gills
- Crowded, adnate to slightly decurrent, pale yellowish to ochre.
- Stem
- 5-12 cm long, 1-2 cm thick, whitish to yellowish, with a membranous, fragile ring. The stem is often fibrillose below the ring.
- Flesh
- White to yellowish, firm.
- Fruiting body
- The fruit body is a mushroom with a distinct cap and stem.
- Habitat
- Found in coniferous and deciduous forests, often under spruce and beech trees.
Key Facts
- Cap surfaces: Wrinkled, with a whitish bloom when young
- Growth Form: Solitary to scattered
- Spore Print: Ochre-brown
- Body color: Ochre to yellowish-brown
- Odor: Mild, not distinctive
- Flesh bruises: Does not typically bruise
- Height: 5-12 cm
- Cap Diameter: 2-10 cm
- Nutrient gathering: Mycorrhizal
Safe
SafeCortinarius caperatus is generally considered edible, but it can be confused with some poisonous Cortinarius species. It is important to properly identify this mushroom before consumption.
Quick Check
- Odor: Mild
- Fruiting: Late summer to autumn
- Substrate: Soil in forests
Where to Find
Forest
Coniferous forests
Woods
Deciduous forests
Finding Tips
Habitat
Look for it under spruce and beech trees.
Identification
Check for the distinctive wrinkled cap and ring on the stem.
Similar Species
Rosy Scalycap
Mushroom
Also known as: Pholiota caperata
Scientific Classification
- Phylum
- Basidiomycota
- Class
- Agaricomycetes
- Order
- Agaricales
- Family
- Strophariaceae
- Genus
- Cortinarius
Storage Information
- Max Temperature: 5
- Freezing duration: 3
- Min Temperature: 2
- Refrigeration: 2
How to Clean
Gently brush off any dirt or debris. Wipe with a damp cloth if necessary. Avoid soaking in water.
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