Brown Laccaria

Description

Laccaria proxima, commonly known as the Brown Laccaria or Scurfy Laccaria, is a widespread mycorrhizal mushroom found in temperate regions. It is characterized by its reddish-brown to orange-brown cap, often scurfy or scaly, and its relatively distant, pinkish-buff gills. The stem is typically fibrous and concolorous with the cap, often with a whitish mycelial base. It is a common inhabitant of damp, acidic soils, particularly in coniferous and mixed woodlands.

How to Identify

Cap

The cap of Laccaria proxima ranges from 2 to 8 cm in diameter, initially convex, becoming broadly convex to flattened, often with a central depression or umbo. The margin is often wavy or irregular and can be striate when moist. The color varies from reddish-brown, orange-brown, to brick-red, often fading with age or dryness. The surface is typically finely scurfy to scaly, especially towards the center, and can be somewhat hygrophanous, appearing paler when dry.

Gills

The gills are adnate to slightly decurrent, widely spaced (distant), and relatively thick. Their color is typically pinkish-buff to flesh-colored, sometimes with a purplish tint, especially when young. They often become powdered with white spores at maturity.

Stem

The stem is 3 to 10 cm long and 0.5 to 1.5 cm thick, cylindrical, often twisted or irregular, and fibrous. It is typically concolorous with the cap or slightly paler, often with fine longitudinal striations or fibrils. The base is often covered with whitish mycelial hairs. It is solid to stuffed, becoming hollow with age.

Flesh

The flesh is thin, pale reddish-brown to buff, and does not change color when cut or bruised. It has a mild, indistinct odor and taste.

Fruiting body

The fruiting body is a typical agaric (gilled mushroom) with a cap, gills, and a central stem.

Habitat

Laccaria proxima is a mycorrhizal fungus, forming symbiotic relationships with various trees, primarily conifers (e.g., pine, spruce, fir) but also occasionally hardwoods (e.g., birch, oak). It prefers damp, acidic, and often sandy or peaty soils. It can be found growing solitarily, scattered, or in small groups.

Key Facts

• Cap surfaces: Scurfy to finely scaly, often hygrophanous
• Growth Form: Solitary, scattered, or in small groups
• Spore Print: White
• Body color: Reddish-brown to orange-brown (cap and stem), pinkish-buff (gills)
• Odor: Mild
• Flesh bruises: No significant bruising reaction
• Height: 3-10 cm
• Cap Diameter: 2-8 cm
• Nutrient gathering: Mycorrhizal

Quick Check

• Odor: Mild, indistinct
• Fruiting: Late summer to late autumn
• Substrate: Soil, typically acidic and damp, under conifers or mixed woods

Where to Find

Finding Tips

Similar Species

Scientific Classification

Phylum

Basidiomycota

Class

Agaricomycetes

Order

Agaricales

Family

Hydnangiaceae

Genus

Laccaria

Storage Information

• Max Temperature: 4°C
• Freezing duration: 6 months
• Min Temperature: 1°C
• Refrigeration: 5 days

How to Clean

Gently brush off any debris or soil with a soft brush or damp cloth. Avoid washing under running water as the mushroom can absorb excess moisture, affecting its texture and flavor. Trim off any tough or damaged parts of the stem.

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