How to identify Purple Cort

To correctly identify Purple Cort (Cortinarius iodes), 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.

   The cap is 2-7 cm (0.8-2.8 inches) in diameter, convex to broadly convex or nearly flat in maturity, often with a low, broad umbo. It is distinctly viscid to slimy, especially when moist, and shiny when dry. The color is typically a vibrant purple, violet, or purplish-brown, often fading to a duller purplish-tan or brownish-purple with age, especially towards the margin. The margin is usually inrolled when young and can be somewhat striate when wet.

2. 2

   Gills

   Attachment to stem, color, and spacing.

   The gills are adnate to adnexed, close to crowded, and initially bright purple, violet, or lilac. As the mushroom matures and spores develop, they become rusty brown due to the spore print. A cortina (cobweb-like veil) is present in young specimens, connecting the cap margin to the stem, and often leaves rusty brown remnants on the stem as it breaks.

3. 3

   Stem

   Length, shape, surface, and any ring.

   The stem is 3-8 cm (1.2-3.1 inches) long and 0.5-1.5 cm (0.2-0.6 inches) thick, equal or slightly tapering towards the base, sometimes with a slightly swollen base. It is solid, fibrillose, and typically purplish, especially towards the apex, often fading to whitish or pale yellowish-brown towards the base. Rusty brown remnants of the cortina are often visible on the upper part of the stem.

4. 4

   Flesh

   Color, texture, and bruising reaction.

   The flesh is whitish to pale lilac or purplish, especially in the cap, and does not change color when cut or bruised. It has a mild, indistinct odor and taste.

5. 5

   Fruiting body

   Overall growth pattern.

   The fruiting body is typically medium-sized, with a cap and stem, and a distinct cortina (cobweb-like veil) when young.

6. 6

   Habitat

   Where it grows and on what substrate.

   Cortinarius iodes is a mycorrhizal fungus, forming symbiotic relationships primarily with oak trees (Quercus species). It is found growing solitarily or scattered on the ground in deciduous and mixed forests, particularly under oaks.

Key Facts

Cap surfaces

Viscid to slimy, shiny when dry

Growth Form

Solitary or scattered

Spore Print

Rusty brown

Body color

Vibrant purple to violet, fading with age

Odor

Indistinct

Flesh bruises

No significant color change

Height

3-8 cm (1.2-3.1 inches)

Cap Diameter

2-7 cm (0.8-2.8 inches)

Fruit body characteristics

• Gill attachment: Adnate to adnexed
• Stem shape: Equal or slightly tapering, sometimes with a slightly swollen base
• Stem surface: Fibrillose, often with rusty cortina remnants
• Ring: Absent (cortina present when young, leaving rusty remnants)
• Stem cross-section: Solid

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