How to identify Amethyst Deceiver

To correctly identify Amethyst Deceiver (Laccaria amethystina), 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.

   Convex to flat, often with a slightly depressed center; initially bright purple, fading to brownish-purple or lilac with age.

2. 2

   Gills

   Attachment to stem, color, and spacing.

   Adnexed (slightly attached to the stem), close together, and initially purple, fading with age.

3. 3

   Stem

   Length, shape, surface, and any ring.

   Cylindrical, smooth, and purple, often slightly paler than the cap.

4. 4

   Flesh

   Color, texture, and bruising reaction.

   Thin, brittle, and purple.

5. 5

   Fruiting body

   Overall growth pattern.

   Small, typically 2-8 cm in diameter.

6. 6

   Habitat

   Where it grows and on what substrate.

   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

Fruit body characteristics

• Gill attachment: adnexed
• Stem shape: cylindrical
• Stem surface: smooth
• Ring: absent
• Stem cross-section: solid

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