Got a photo? Identify mushrooms instantly with the Mushby app
Open the appDescription
Cortinarius violaceus is a mushroom species belonging to the genus Cortinarius. It is characterized by its striking violet color, robust build, and distinctive web-like partial veil. It's a mycorrhizal fungus, forming symbiotic relationships with tree roots.
How to Identify
- Cap
- Convex to broadly convex, becoming somewhat flattened with age; dark violet to purplish-brown, often fading with age; dry, slightly sticky when moist; margin often incurved.
- Gills
- Closely spaced, adnate (attached to the stem); violet to purplish-brown.
- Stem
- Stout, cylindrical, often slightly bulbous at the base; violet, becoming brownish with age; fibrous surface.
- Flesh
- Thick, firm, violet; slowly turning brownish with age.
- Fruiting body
- Large, robust mushroom with a distinct violet color.
- Habitat
- Mycorrhizal with coniferous and deciduous trees, particularly pines and beeches.
Key Facts
- Cap surfaces: Dry, slightly sticky when moist
- Growth Form: Solitary or in small groups
- Spore Print: Rusty brown
- Body color: Violet to purplish-brown
- Odor: Slightly earthy or radish-like
- Flesh bruises: Slowly turns brownish
- Height: 8-15 cm
- Cap Diameter: 5-15 cm
- Nutrient gathering: Mycorrhizal
Safe
SafeCortinarius violaceus is generally considered edible, but some sources advise caution due to the potential for confusion with toxic look-alikes. It's recommended to only consume mushrooms identified with absolute certainty by an expert.
Quick Check
- Odor: Earthy, radish-like
- Fruiting: Late summer to autumn
- Substrate: Coniferous and deciduous forests
Where to Find
Temperate Forests
Found in various parts of Europe and North America.
Finding Tips
Finding Violet Webcaps
Look for it in coniferous or mixed forests, often under pine or beech trees. It typically fruits in late summer and autumn.
Similar Species
Several other Cortinarius species share similar violet coloration, but often differ in microscopic features or habitat preferences.
Cortinarius
Also known as: Other Violet Cortinarius species
Scientific Classification
- Phylum
- Basidiomycota
- Class
- Agaricomycetes
- Order
- Agaricales
- Family
- Cortinariaceae
- Genus
- Cortinarius
Storage Information
- Max Temperature: 5°C (41°F)
- Freezing duration: Not recommended
- Min Temperature: 0°C (32°F)
- Refrigeration: 2-3 days
How to Clean
Gently wipe the cap with a damp cloth or brush to remove any dirt or debris. Avoid washing, as it can damage the delicate texture.
Explore Violet Webcap
Identify mushrooms anywhere
Free on iOS, Android, and Web. Photo identification, full database, and your personal collection.