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The Deceiver (Laccaria laccata) is a highly variable mushroom, making it difficult to identify, hence its common name. It is found in woodlands and forests, and is edible, though not highly regarded.
How to Identify
- Cap
- The cap is typically 2-6 cm in diameter, convex to flattened, often with a slightly depressed center. The color ranges from pinkish-tan to reddish-brown, and the surface can be smooth to slightly scaly.
- Gills
- The gills are pinkish-tan to reddish-brown, widely spaced, and attached to the stem (adnate to slightly decurrent).
- Stem
- The stem is typically 3-10 cm long and 0.5-1 cm thick, fibrous in texture, and similar in color to the cap. It often has a slightly twisted appearance.
- Flesh
- The flesh is thin and watery, with a mild, earthy odor.
- Fruiting body
- The overall appearance is quite variable, which contributes to its name. It can appear in various shades of brown and pink.
- Habitat
- It grows in woodlands and forests, often among leaf litter and decaying wood. It can be found in both deciduous and coniferous forests.
Key Facts
- Cap surfaces: Smooth to slightly scaly
- Growth Form: Solitary to scattered
- Spore Print: White
- Body color: Pinkish-tan to reddish-brown
- Odor: Mild, earthy
- Flesh bruises: No significant bruising
- Height: 3-10 cm
- Cap Diameter: 2-6 cm
- Nutrient gathering: Mycorrhizal
Safe
SafeThe Deceiver is generally considered edible, but it can be easily confused with other, potentially toxic mushrooms. It is crucial to be certain of the identification before consumption.
Quick Check
- Odor: Mild and earthy
- Fruiting: Autumn
- Substrate: Leaf litter, decaying wood
Where to Find
Woodlands
Found in various types of woodlands, including deciduous and coniferous forests.
Forest Floors
Often found growing on forest floors among leaf litter and decaying wood.
Finding Tips
Cap Shape
Look for mushrooms with a convex to flattened cap, often with a slightly depressed center.
Gill Characteristics
Check for pinkish-tan to reddish-brown gills that are widely spaced and attached to the stem.
Stem Features
Examine the stem for a fibrous texture and a color similar to the cap, often with a slightly twisted appearance.
Similar Species
Waxcap
mushroom of the genus Hygrocybe
Also known as: Waxcap mushrooms
Scientific Classification
- Phylum
- Basidiomycota
- Class
- Agaricomycetes
- Order
- Agaricales
- Family
- Hydnangiaceae
- Genus
- Laccaria
Storage Information
- Max Temperature: 2
- Freezing duration: N/A
- Min Temperature: -2
- Refrigeration: 3 days
How to Clean
Gently brush off any dirt or debris from the cap and stem. Avoid soaking in water, as they can become waterlogged. A soft brush or damp cloth can be used to clean the surface.
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