About this fungus
Violet Webcap is a fungus in the Cortinariaceae family. Its habitat and field characteristics are summarised below.
A striking webcap that is deep violet throughout, often appearing almost black-purple from above. The dry cap has a finely velvety or minutely scaly surface.
Identification features to check
Check young specimens for a violet cobweb-like cortina between cap and stem. The gills begin violet and become rusty brown as the spores mature. The stem is violet and usually club-shaped at the base, with no volva and no persistent ring. The flesh remains violet when cut.
Lookalikes
Other violet Cortinarius species can look similar, and the C. violaceus group contains regional lineages that are not always separable in the field. A rusty-brown spore print distinguishes webcaps from purple-gilled Laccaria and blewits, but colour alone does not establish the species. Cortinarius also contains deadly kidney-toxic species.
Habitat and range
Mycorrhizal on woodland soil with broadleaf trees or conifers. European broadleaf records often come from alkaline beech woods, while conifer-associated and non-European populations may represent different regional forms or close species.
Food safety
Edibility is uncertain or disputed.
Photographs
H. Krisp / CC BY 3.0