How to identify Lace Mushroom

To correctly identify Lace Mushroom (Gomphus clavatus), 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 eccentrically attached to the stem or absent altogether, forming a distinctive wavy or lobed margin. The surface is typically smooth to slightly wrinkled. The color ranges from violet or lavender when young to ochre, tan, or brownish with age.

2. 2

   Gills

   Attachment to stem, color, and spacing.

   Instead of true gills, it possesses distinct, strongly decurrent (running down the stem), blunt, fold-like ridges. These folds are often forked and anastomosing (connecting with each other), creating a maze-like appearance. The color of these folds is typically pale yellowish to ochre or cinnamon.

3. 3

   Stem

   Length, shape, surface, and any ring.

   A distinct stem is usually absent or very reduced, with the fruiting body tapering directly into the substrate. When present, it is short, thick, and concolorous with the cap interior or paler.

4. 4

   Flesh

   Color, texture, and bruising reaction.

   The flesh is firm, brittle, and typically white or off-white. It does not bruise readily. When cut, the flesh is thick and consistent.

5. 5

   Fruiting body

   Overall growth pattern.

   A vase-shaped or goblet-shaped fruiting body, often without a distinct stem, tapering downwards. It can be solitary or grow in small groups.

6. 6

   Habitat

   Where it grows and on what substrate.

   Found in coniferous forests, particularly under pine, fir, and spruce trees. It prefers well-drained soils and often grows on moss or on the forest floor.

Key Facts

Cap surfaces

Smooth to slightly wrinkled or uneven margin.

Growth Form

Vase-shaped, goblet-shaped, or funnel-shaped, often with an absent or greatly reduced stem.

Spore Print

Ochre to cinnamon brown.

Body color

Violet, lavender, lilac when young; fading to ochre, tan, or brownish with age.

Odor

Mild and pleasant, sometimes slightly fruity or earthy.

Flesh bruises

Does not bruise significantly.

Height

Typically 5-15 cm (2-6 inches).

Cap Diameter

5-20 cm (2-8 inches) across the widest part of the 'cup'.

Fruit body characteristics

• Gill attachment: Decurrent (running down the stem).
• Stem shape: Absent or greatly reduced, tapering to a point.
• Stem surface: Concolorous with the interior of the cap or paler; often rough or slightly felty.
• Ring: Absent.
• Stem cross-section: Solid when young, becoming hollow or chambered with age.

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