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Surprise webcap

Cortinarius semisanguineus

A species of Cortinar, Also known as Red-gilled webcap

The subdued yellow or beige caps of the surprise webcap (Cortinarius semisanguineus) do indeed hide a surprise - underneath the cap, this mushroom boasts gorgeous, ruby or maroon-red gills. While not considered edible, the surprise webcap is still sought-after - it can be used to produce a deep and lovely red-brown dye.

Cap Diameter:

3 - 7 cm

Odor:

Mildly mushroomy, with a hint of radish.

General Info About Surprise webcap

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Attributes of Surprise webcap

Cap Diameter

3 - 7 cm

Height

4 - 9 cm

Cap

Cap 1.5 - 7 cm across; hemispherical, flat to shallowly umbonate; yellow-brown to olive-brown; surface with finely silky-fibrous

Cap Shape

Convex, Bell-shaped, Flat, Central Bump

Cap Surfaces

Fibrillose-scaly

Gills

Attached, free; close; blood-red, rusty

Gill Attachment

Attached

Stem

Stem 2.5 - 10 cm long, 1.5 cm thick; ocher to yellow-brown; with cobwebby veil remains

Stem Shapes

Cylindrical

Stem Surfaces

Smooth to slightly fibrous

Flesh

Whitish or pale yellowish

Ring

Rusty

Ring

With Ring Zone

Spore Print Color

Rusty brown

Odor

Mildly mushroomy, with a hint of radish.

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

On soil, Mosses

You can find Surprise webcap by these plants:

Spruces, Pines, Oaks, Firs

Occurence Habitats

Coniferous Woodland

Species Status

Widely distributed

Endangered Species

How to Identify Surprise webcap

Fruiting Body Cap Flesh

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Habitat of Surprise webcap

The surprise webcap is primarily found in coniferous forests, including spruce plantations, and some mixed woodlands. Fruitbodies grow up from the ground, often in mossy areas, above the roots of a host conifer tree. This fungus feeds in a symbiotic relationship with the tree’s roots, helping it absorb water and nutrients while the tree provides it sugars and amino acids.

Distribution Area of Surprise webcap

North America,Europe

Scientific Classification of Surprise webcap

Phylum

Club fungi

Class

Mushroom-forming fungi

Order

Gilled fungi

Family

Cortinariaceae

Genus

Cortinar

Toxicity and Edibility of Surprise webcap

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Is Surprise webcap Toxic?

Surprise webcap potentially contains dangerous toxins that could be harmful if consumed. It closely resembles certain red Cortinarius species known to contain the toxin orellanine, which can damage human kidneys and liver. Determining precise species within the Cortinarius genus is challenging due to its vastness and overlapping characteristics. Found mycorrhizal with conifers, especially pines, it's commonly seen alone or scattered, often in moss, during summer and fall across North America.

Toxins type

Orellanine

Type of poisoning

Nephrotoxic

Toxic Severity

High toxicity

Incubation Period

2-17 days, 4-24 hours with potential early symptoms

Poisoning Symptoms

Intense thirst, parched mouth, aching head, renal discomfort, elevated urea, organ damage, high blood pressure, late stage uremic vomiting, liver and kidney destruction, transparent urine post kidney failure.

Is Surprise webcap Toxic to Dogs?

Surprise webcap is thought to contain the toxic substance Orellanine, which is poisonous to dogs. Seek immediate veterinary assistance if your dog eats this mushroom since initial effects common to most mushroom poisonings can be signs of organ failure and may result in death after several days. Initial symptoms may include nausea, vomiting, drooling, diarrhea, and gastrointestinal discomfort.

Similar Species to Surprise webcap

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Tips for Finding Surprise webcap

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What are the Ideal Soil Conditions for Surprise webcap

Moist, well-drained, often acidic.

What are Some Tips for Finding Surprise webcap

Focus on pine forests with damp, mossy areas as these are prime habitats for surprise webcap.
Look for surprise webcap around the base of pine trees where the soil tends to be well-drained and moist.
Search in scattered groupings, as surprise webcap may grow alone or with few others, not typically in large clusters.
Inspect moss-covered areas thoroughly, as surprise webcap often emerges from moss rather than bare soil.