Insubstantial colored like the cap or paler. Mycorrhizal with hardwoods (especially partial to oaks and beech) growing alone, scattered, or gregariously late spring and summer widely disributed east of the Rocky Mountains.Ġ.5-3.5 cm broadly convex to flat often with a central depression the margin even or inrolled, not lined, or slightly lined at maturity finely hairy-scaly, or nearly bald bright grayish purple, fading to buff changing color markedly as it dries out (often resulting in "two-toned" specimens).Īttached to the stem, or rarely running down it distant or nearly so thick waxy dark purple or colored like the cap.ġ-7 cm long 1-7 mm thick equal or slightly swollen at the base finely to coarsely hairy or scaly colored like the cap with lilac to whitish basal mycelium. Laccaria amethystina Mushroom Identification Other names: Amethyst Tallow-Gill, Amethyst Deceiver. It is found mainly in Northern temperate zones, though it is reported to occur in tropical Central and South America as well. This common name is shared with its close relation Laccaria laccata that also fades and weathers. Because its bright amethyst coloration fades with age and weathering, it becomes difficult to identify, hence the common name ‘Deceiver’. The mushroom itself is edible but can absorb arsenic from the soil. This fungus grows in deciduous as well as coniferous forests. Nowadays its use is discouraged because it can cause gastrointestinal disorders. Though not very profitable, it was picked to embellish and decorate some dishes. Foodies Forage To Connect With Nature (huffingtonpost.Laccaria amethystina is a striking mushroom with an intense violet color.Having said that, please enjoy wild mushrooms responsibly and I would encourage anyone to step out into the woods this weekend and discover what nature has to offer. I won’t be held liable for any reader who poisons themselves. Please read my last Foraging Friday post on Saffron Milk Caps for more advice or consult my article on Picking and Identifying Edible Mushrooms for some good guidelines. You will need at least one very good illustrated mushroom guide to do this and preferably someone who knows what they are doing to supervise. I recommend becoming familiar with the Amethyst Deceiver before adding the Deceiver to your foraging repertoire because the latter has more deceptive look-alikes.īefore heading out to pick mushrooms please remember the GOLDEN RULE of only eating what you are 100% sure of identifying correctly. It has all the characteristics of its lilac relative but is a red-brown colour. DeceiversĪ very similar close cousin of the Amethyst Deceiver is also tasty and useful and called simply “The Deceiver”. These mushrooms also need to be well cleaned before they are cooked as a lot of matter can get caught in their broad gills. As they get older, they will become paler and it is best, as with all mushrooms, to try and go for younger and firmer examples for cooking. The Amethyst Deceiver is a small mushroom, the largest specimens being up to 2 inches accross. Where they do grow they are likely to be fairly abundant (growing in troops) and recurrent throughout the season but I have rarely had luck with them in the same place for more than a year. The very distinctive purple colour is instantly recognisable but not as easy to spot among fallen leaves. Start looking for these now in the leaf mould at the base of beech trees and chestnuts, but also keep an eye open for them in coniferous woodland.
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