How to identify Weeping Widow

To correctly identify Weeping Widow (Cortinarius trivialis), 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 typically 3-8 cm in diameter, convex to flattened, and has a slimy, glutinous surface. The color ranges from ochre to tan or light brown. The margin is often incurved when young and may have remnants of the cortina (a cobweb-like partial veil).

2. 2

   Gills

   Attachment to stem, color, and spacing.

   The gills are adnate to slightly decurrent, closely spaced, and ochre-brown in color. They may become more rusty-brown as the spores mature.

3. 3

   Stem

   Length, shape, surface, and any ring.

   The stem is 5-12 cm long and 1-2 cm thick, cylindrical, and slimy, especially when young. The color is similar to the cap or slightly paler. There may be remnants of the cortina forming a faint ring zone on the upper part of the stem.

4. 4

   Flesh

   Color, texture, and bruising reaction.

   The flesh is whitish to pale ochre, and does not typically exhibit any significant color changes when bruised.

5. 5

   Fruiting body

   Overall growth pattern.

   The fruiting body of Cortinarius trivialis is a medium-sized mushroom with a slimy cap and stem. The overall appearance is ochre to brownish, with a viscid surface.

6. 6

   Habitat

   Where it grows and on what substrate.

   Cortinarius trivialis is found in deciduous forests, particularly near birch and willow trees. It is a mycorrhizal fungus, forming symbiotic relationships with the roots of these trees. It typically fruits in the autumn.

Key Facts

Cap surfaces

Slimy, glutinous

Growth Form

Solitary to scattered

Spore Print

Rusty-brown

Body color

Ochre to brownish

Odor

Mild

Flesh bruises

No significant color change

Height

5-12 cm

Cap Diameter

3-8 cm

Fruit body characteristics

• Gill attachment: Adnate to slightly decurrent
• Stem shape: Cylindrical
• Stem surface: Slimy
• Ring: Faint ring zone from cortina remnants
• Stem cross-section: Solid

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