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Tawny Webcap, Golden Webcap (Cortinarius croceus)

Tawny Webcap, Golden Webcap

Toxic

Cortinarius croceus

Also known as: Cortinarius croceus, Cortinarius croceus var. croceus

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Description

Cortinarius croceus is a species of mushroom in the family Cortinariaceae. It is a fairly common mushroom found in deciduous woodlands in Europe and North America. The cap is typically 2-5 cm in diameter, and is a tawny-brown color. It is covered in a fine, velvety layer of hairs, and has a slightly sticky surface. The stem is usually 3-7 cm tall, and is the same color as the cap. It is covered in a dense network of cobweb-like strands called a cortina, which often breaks down into a rusty-brown ring on the stem. The gills are attached to the stem and are crowded and narrow. They are initially a pale brown color, but become darker with age.

How to Identify

Cap
The cap is typically 2-5 cm in diameter, and is a tawny-brown color. It is covered in a fine, velvety layer of hairs, and has a slightly sticky surface.
Gills
The gills of Cortinarius croceus are attached to the stem and are crowded and narrow. They are initially a pale brown color, but become darker with age.
Stem
The stem is usually 3-7 cm tall, and is the same color as the cap. It is covered in a dense network of cobweb-like strands called a cortina, which often breaks down into a rusty-brown ring on the stem.
Flesh
The flesh of this mushroom is white, and has a slightly bitter taste. It is not recommended to eat this mushroom, as it is considered to be toxic.
Fruiting body
Cortinarius croceus is a mushroom with a cap, gills, and stem.
Habitat
Cortinarius croceus is a fairly common mushroom found in deciduous woodlands in Europe and North America. It is often found growing in groups, or even clusters, near the bases of trees.

Key Facts

  • Cap surfaces: Fibrous, Sticky
  • Growth Form: Solitary, Clustered
  • Spore Print: Rusty-brown
  • Body color: Brown, Yellow
  • Odor: Mild
  • Flesh bruises: No
  • Height: 3-7 cm
  • Cap Diameter: 2-5 cm
  • Nutrient gathering: Saprobic

Toxic

Severe Toxicity

Cortinarius croceus is considered to be toxic and can cause severe gastrointestinal upset, including nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. Symptoms may appear within 1-6 hours after ingestion. The toxin responsible for the toxicity of this mushroom is unknown. It is important to avoid eating any mushrooms you are unsure about.

Reaction Type: Gastrointestinal upset

Quick Check

  • Odor: Mild
  • Fruiting: Deciduous woodland
  • Substrate: Ground, Wood

Where to Find

Deciduous Woodlands

It is a fairly common mushroom found in deciduous woodlands in Europe and North America.

Finding Tips

Finding Cortinarius croceus

Cortinarius croceus is a fairly common mushroom found in deciduous woodlands. It is often found growing in groups, or even clusters, near the bases of trees. The cap of this species is usually 2-5 cm in diameter and is covered in a fine, velvety layer of hairs. The stem is usually 3-7 cm tall and is the same color as the cap.

Similar Species

Cortinarius anomalus

Cortinarius

Also known as: Cortinarius anomalus

Scientific Classification

Phylum
Basidiomycota
Class
Agaricomycetes
Order
Agaricales
Family
Cortinariaceae
Genus
Cortinarius

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