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Western red-capped Cortinarius

Cortinarius smithii

A species of Cortinar

Western red-capped Cortinarius (Cortinarius smithii) is one of a massive family of similar species, and its mushrooms can be incredibly difficult to tell apart from their cousins. It's an easy one to spot as it emerges from the litter underneath older Hemlock or other conifers, showcasing a stunning red cap that stands in bright contrast to the brown debris.

Cap Diameter:

3 - 8 cm

Odor:

Slightly earthy, not particularly notable.

General Info About Western red-capped Cortinarius

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Attributes of Western red-capped Cortinarius

Cap Diameter

3 - 8 cm

Height

4 - 10 cm

Cap

Cap 3 - 8 cm across, broadly convex, umbonate; red; moist to dry; margin usually decurved

Cap Shape

Convex, Bell-shaped, Flat

Cap Surfaces

Smooth

Gills

Adnate to adnexed or notched; subdistant to distant; deep purplish red to deep red

Gill Attachment

Attached

Stem

Stem 4 - 11 cm x 6 - 30 mm; equal or sometimes club-shaped to ventricose; yellow or dull ochraceous; moist to dry, with a coating of yellowish fibrils

Stem Shapes

Cylindrical

Stem Surfaces

Fibrillose

Flesh

Rather thin; firm; buff, with reddish tints near cap surface, olive-brownish in cap near stem

Ring

With Ring Zone

Spore Print Color

Rusty brown

Odor

Slightly earthy, not particularly notable.

Body Color

Yellow

Red

Growth Form

Scattered, Gregarious

Nutrient Gathering

Mycorrhizal

Substrate

On soil, Leaf or Needle Litter

You can find Western red-capped Cortinarius by these plants:

Spruces, Firs, Pines

Occurence Habitats

Coniferous Woodland

Species Status

Common

Endangered Species

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Habitat of Western red-capped Cortinarius

The habitat of the western red-capped Cortinarius is related to coniferous and mixed forests. The mushroom can be found in duff beneath conifers, or in humus-rich soil. It is always found near the roots of a host tree, with which it is exchanging essential nutrients. It commonly associates with pine, the Douglas fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii), the Sitka spruce (Picea sitchensis), and the western hemlock (Tsuga heterophylla).

Scientific Classification of Western red-capped Cortinarius

Phylum

Club fungi

Class

Mushroom-forming fungi

Order

Gilled fungi

Family

Cortinariaceae

Genus

Cortinar

Toxicity and Edibility of Western red-capped Cortinarius

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Is Western red-capped Cortinarius Toxic?

While the exact toxic agent in the western red-capped Cortinarius is currently unknown, several members of the Cortinarius genus carry a risk of severe poisoning when ingested, so this species is best avoided. Symptoms begin as nausea and vomiting, and progress to kidney damage, including acute renal failure, within 1-2 weeks.

Similar Species to Western red-capped Cortinarius

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Tips for Finding Western red-capped Cortinarius

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What are the Ideal Soil Conditions for Western red-capped Cortinarius

Rich humus layers, typically under conifers.

What are Some Tips for Finding Western red-capped Cortinarius

Seek out areas with abundant conifer trees such as Douglas fir, western hemlock, pine, and Sitka spruce.
Inspect the deep humus layer on the forest floor, as western red-capped Cortinarius tends to grow scattered or in groups in this type of substrate.
Favor shaded areas under coniferous canopies where the humus is typically deeper.
Gently probe the humus with a stick or your fingers to uncover hidden specimens.
Be mindful of the ground condition; western red-capped Cortinarius prefers rich, well-established humus.

How to Clean and Preserve Western red-capped Cortinarius

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Common Questions People Also Ask

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Where does western red-capped Cortinarius grow?