About this fungus
Twisted Deceiver is a fungus in the Hydnangiaceae family. Its habitat and field characteristics are summarised below.
A minute, often misshapen pink-brown deceiver on damp bare ground.
What to check
Look for widely spaced thick pinkish gills, a fibrous stem, white print and very small size.
Variation
Caps fade strongly as they dry and can become wavy, lobed or depressed.
Lookalikes
Other small Laccaria are extremely similar. Colour and cap shape are unreliable on their own.
Habitat and range
Mycorrhizal on damp disturbed soil and woodland paths in several temperate regions.
Food safety
Inedible.