About this fungus
Western Amethyst Laccaria is a fungus in the Hydnangiaceae family. Its habitat and field characteristics are summarised below.
A purple woodland Laccaria of western North America, usually with a violet cap, thick widely spaced violet gills and a fibrous stem.
What to check
Look for thick, widely spaced purple gills, a fibrous ringless stem, whitish mycelium at the base and a white spore print. Check for the absence of a volva and of the cobweb-like veil and rusty-brown spores associated with Cortinarius.
Variation
Fresh mushrooms can be deep violet, but the cap and stem often fade towards dull violet or buff as they age or dry. Faded specimens need the gills, spore colour, structure and regional range checked together.
Lookalikes
Other purple Laccaria species are very similar and geography is important. Purple Cortinarius species have rusty-brown spores and may show veil fibres. Microscopy or DNA may be needed where regional Laccaria species overlap.
Habitat and range
Mycorrhizal with conifers in western North America, fruiting on woodland soil and needle litter, mainly in the cooler wet season. It should not be assumed outside that range.
Food safety
Edible.
Use this profile to learn what to examine and compare, not as proof that a mushroom is safe to eat. Check the whole specimen and every important lookalike before reaching an identification.