How to identify Cortinarius caperatus

To correctly identify Cortinarius caperatus (Cortinarius caperatus), check each of these features in order. Misidentification is the most common cause of mushroom poisoning, so cross-reference multiple sources.

Step-by-step identification

1. 1

   Cap

   Shape, color, surface texture, and diameter.

   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.

2. 2

   Gills

   Attachment to stem, color, and spacing.

   Crowded, adnate to slightly decurrent, pale yellowish to ochre.

3. 3

   Stem

   Length, shape, surface, and any ring.

   5-12 cm long, 1-2 cm thick, whitish to yellowish, with a membranous, fragile ring. The stem is often fibrillose below the ring.

4. 4

   Flesh

   Color, texture, and bruising reaction.

   White to yellowish, firm.

5. 5

   Fruiting body

   Overall growth pattern.

   The fruit body is a mushroom with a distinct cap and stem.

6. 6

   Habitat

   Where it grows and on what substrate.

   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

Fruit body characteristics

• Gill attachment: Adnate to slightly decurrent
• Stem shape: Cylindrical
• Stem surface: Dry, fibrillose
• Ring: Present, membranous and fragile
• Stem cross-section: Solid

Explore Cortinarius caperatus