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Saffron webcap

Cortinarius croceus

A species of Cortinar

As suggested by its name, saffron webcap has a reddish-brown cap that can be similar in color to the spice saffron. This mushroom is often found growing in large groups in areas with conifers. However, it may not be easily distinguishable from other mushrooms.

Cap Diameter:

3 - 9 cm

Odor:

Sweet, radishlike, or mildly not distinctive.

General Info About Saffron webcap

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Attributes of Saffron webcap

Cap Diameter

3 - 9 cm

Height

4 - 10 cm

Cap

Cap 1.5 - 8 cm; broadly convex, flat, broadly bell-shaped; yellowish brown to olive brown, dark brown in age; smooth

Cap Shape

Convex, Flat, Bell-shaped, Central Bump

Cap Surfaces

Fibrillose-scaly

Gills

Attached to the stem but often pulling away from it in age; close or crowded; yellow

Gill Attachment

Notched

Stem

Stem 3 - 7 cm long, up to 1 cm thick; equal; yellowish, olive brown to reddish brown; dry, silky with brownish fibers

Stem Shapes

Cylindrical

Stem Surfaces

Fibrillose

Stem Cross Sections

Hollow or cottony hollow

Flesh

Yellowish

Ring

Rusty

Ring

With Ring Zone

Spore Print Color

Rusty brown

Odor

Sweet, radishlike, or mildly not distinctive.

Body Color

Brown

Yellow

Red

Flesh Bruises

The flesh or milk does not discolor when bruised or cut.

Growth Form

Solitary, Scattered

Nutrient Gathering

Mycorrhizal

Substrate

Leaf or Needle Litter, On soil

You can find Saffron webcap by these plants:

Spruces, Pines, European beech, Firs

Occurence Habitats

Coniferous Woodland, Mixed Woodland

Species Status

Widely distributed in North America.

Endangered Species

How to Identify Saffron webcap

Fruiting Body Cap Gills

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Habitat of Saffron webcap

The saffron webcap grows in coniferous and mixed woodland, where it forms a symbiotic relationship with pines, spruces, birches, and occasionally other deciduous trees. It grows on the ground and it's always found near the roots of its host tree.

Scientific Classification of Saffron webcap

Phylum

Club fungi

Class

Mushroom-forming fungi

Order

Gilled fungi

Family

Cortinariaceae

Genus

Cortinar

Toxicity and Edibility of Saffron webcap

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Is Saffron webcap Toxic?

The saffron webcap is a mushroom species found in damp woodland areas, typically during autumn. It is notable for its saffron hues and web-like veil, distinguishing features from other varieties. Consumption can lead to gastrointestinal upset, vertigo, visual complications, and circulation issues.

Type of poisoning

Gastrointestinal

Toxic Severity

Low to high toxicity

Incubation Period

0.5-6 hours

Poisoning Symptoms

Digestive issues, vertigo, vision complications, blood circulation troubles.

Similar Species to Saffron webcap

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Tips for Finding Saffron webcap

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What are the Ideal Soil Conditions for Saffron webcap

Prefer needle duff, well-drained soils.

What are Some Tips for Finding Saffron webcap

Look around areas where conifers are abundant, particularly pine and spruce trees.
Inspect the ground for needle duff, as saffron webcap often grow in such substrates.
Search for these mushrooms alone or in small, scattered groups rather than in dense clusters.
Check for saffron webcap in drier woodland areas, rather than in damp or marshy environments.
Exercise patience and move slowly to spot the saffron webcap which may blend in with their surroundings.

How to Clean and Preserve Saffron webcap

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Common Questions People Also Ask

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More Mushrooms That Are Similar to Saffron webcap

Marsh webcap

Cortinarius uliginosus