Got a photo? Identify mushrooms instantly with the Mushby app
Open the appDescription
Laccaria amethystina, commonly known as the amethyst deceiver, is a small mushroom with a striking purple color. It's a popular edible mushroom, but its color can fade, making identification challenging.
How to Identify
- Cap
- Convex to flat, often with a slightly depressed center; initially bright purple, fading to brownish-purple or lilac with age.
- Gills
- Adnexed (slightly attached to the stem), close together, and initially purple, fading with age.
- Stem
- Cylindrical, smooth, and purple, often slightly paler than the cap.
- Flesh
- Thin, brittle, and purple.
- Fruiting body
- Small, typically 2-8 cm in diameter.
- Habitat
- Found in various forests, often among leaf litter or moss.
Key Facts
- Cap surfaces: Smooth
- Growth Form: Solitary or clustered
- Spore Print: White
- Body color: Purple (fading with age)
- Odor: Mild, slightly earthy
- Flesh bruises: Does not bruise significantly
- Height: 3-8 cm
- Cap Diameter: 2-8 cm
- Nutrient gathering: Saprobic (feeds on decaying organic matter)
Safe
SafeGenerally considered edible, but some individuals may experience mild digestive upset. Color fading can lead to misidentification with toxic species.
Quick Check
- Odor: Mild
- Fruiting: Autumn
- Substrate: Ground
Where to Find
Forests
Amethyst deceivers are found in various habitats, including coniferous and deciduous forests.
Finding Tips
Habitat
Look for small, purple mushrooms growing on the ground, often in clusters.
Color Change
The color can fade, especially in older specimens, so consider other characteristics for identification.
Similar Species
none
mushroom
Also known as: none
Scientific Classification
- Phylum
- Basidiomycota
- Class
- Agaricomycetes
- Order
- Agaricales
- Family
- Hydnangiaceae
- Genus
- Laccaria
Storage Information
- Max Temperature: 5°C
- Freezing duration: Not recommended
- Min Temperature: 0°C
- Refrigeration: 2-3 days
How to Clean
Gently brush off any dirt or debris from the cap and stem. Avoid washing unless absolutely necessary, as the mushrooms can absorb water.
Explore Amethyst Deceiver
Identify mushrooms anywhere
Free on iOS, Android, and Web. Photo identification, full database, and your personal collection.