How to identify Brown Laccaria

To correctly identify Brown Laccaria (Laccaria proxima), 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 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.

2. 2

   Gills

   Attachment to stem, color, and spacing.

   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.

3. 3

   Stem

   Length, shape, surface, and any ring.

   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.

4. 4

   Flesh

   Color, texture, and bruising reaction.

   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.

5. 5

   Fruiting body

   Overall growth pattern.

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

6. 6

   Habitat

   Where it grows and on what substrate.

   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

Fruit body characteristics

• Gill attachment: Adnate to slightly decurrent
• Stem shape: Cylindrical, often twisted or irregular
• Stem surface: Fibrous, often with fine longitudinal striations or fibrils
• Ring: Absent
• Stem cross-section: Solid to stuffed, becoming hollow with age

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