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Violet webcap

Cortinarius violaceus

A species of Cortinar, Also known as Violet cortinarius

This absolutely striking mushroom looks like something out of a fairy tale. The entire fruitbody of the violet webcap - cap, stalk, and gills - ranges in color from a light lavender to a very deep purple. The species' caps are bulbous and pockmarked, often appearing velvety. Though a feast for the eyes, this species is usually considered inedible.

Cap Diameter:

5 - 13 cm

Odor:

Slightly sweet, cedarwood hints, often subtle.

General Info About Violet webcap

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Attributes of Violet webcap

Cap Diameter

5 - 13 cm

Height

8 - 18 cm

Cap

Cap 4 - 12 cm; convex, becoming nearly flat; deep purple, becoming brownish purple to dark brown overall; dry, densely hairy, becoming fuzzy or scaly

Cap Shape

Convex, Flat, Bell-shaped, Central Bump

Cap Surfaces

Fibrillose-scaly

Gills

Attached; nearly distant; dark purple to grayish, blackish, eventually rusty brown

Gill Attachment

Attached

Stem

Stem 6 - 16 cm long, up to 2 cm thick; equal above a swollen or club-shaped base; purple when young, becoming purplish gray to nearly black or brown

Stem Shapes

Club Shaped

Stem Surfaces

Smooth to slightly fibrous

Stem Cross Sections

Hollow or cottony hollow

Flesh

Purple to lilac or purplish gray

Ring

Ringless

Spore Print Color

Rusty brown

Odor

Slightly sweet, cedarwood hints, often subtle.

Body Color

Brown

Black

Gray

Purple

Flesh Bruises

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

Growth Form

Solitary, Scattered, Gregarious

Nutrient Gathering

Mycorrhizal

Substrate

On soil

You can find Violet webcap by these plants:

Spruces, Oaks, European aspen

Occurence Habitats

Deciduous Woodland, Coniferous Woodland

Species Status

Widely distributed in North America

Endangered Species

How to Identify Violet webcap

Fruiting Body Immature Fruiting Body Cap

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Habitat of Violet webcap

The violet webcap grows in deciduous and old-growth coniferous forests. It feeds in a symbiotic relationship with a host tree’s roots, helping it absorb water and nutrients while the tree provides it sugars and amino acids. The fruitbodies will appear from the ground near the host's roots.

Distribution Area of Violet webcap

North America,Europe,Central Americam,northern Asia,New Zealand

Hunting Values of Violet webcap

Dangerous, indistinguishable toxic species that can be easily confused exist.

Uses of Violet webcap

Violet webcap is an edible species, yet it comes with significant risks due to potential confusion with toxic look-alikes. It is not widely popular as a culinary ingredient primarily because of safety concerns. Those who choose to consume violet webcap must be experts in mushroom identification to avoid accidental poisoning. Even though violet webcap can be found during certain seasons, its collection is advised against for casual foragers, emphasizing the importance of caution and education in wild mushroom consumption.

Scientific Classification of Violet webcap

Phylum

Club fungi

Class

Mushroom-forming fungi

Order

Gilled fungi

Family

Cortinariaceae

Genus

Cortinar

Similar Species to Violet webcap

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Gassy webcap

Similar Species

Violet webcap

How to Differentiate Between Gassy webcap and Violet webcap?

Violet webcap: Cap is distinctly velvety.

Gassy webcap: Cap has a fibrillose texture that's less velvety.

Tips for Finding Violet webcap

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When is the Best Time to Find Violet webcap

Search for violet webcap during late summer to fall after rain when temperatures are mild. Ideal conditions include moist soil and cooler nights, preferably after a period of wet weather followed by a few sunny days.

What are the Ideal Soil Conditions for Violet webcap

Prefers alkaline soils, such as chalk and limestone.

What are Some Tips for Finding Violet webcap

Search around hardwoods and conifers, as violet webcap forms relationships with these trees.
Inspect areas with decaying wood or near old, rotting logs where violet webcap may be more prevalent.
Focus on woodlands with alkaline soil compositions, particularly those with chalk or limestone.
Look for violet webcap growing alone or in small groups, rather than in dense clusters.
Be systematic in your search; cover ground methodically under suitable trees to spot solitary specimens of violet webcap.

How to Clean and Preserve Violet webcap

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How to Clean Violet webcap

To clean violet webcap, gently brush off any debris with a soft brush. If necessary, lightly dampen a cloth and wipe the surface. Do not soak, as they absorb water readily. Handle with care to maintain integrity.

Tips on Dry Preservation of Violet webcap

Drying Methods

Dehydrator Drying, Oven Drying, Air Drying

Drying Duration

6 - 12 months

Store in cool, dark, dry place with low humidity and in an airtight container.

Dehydrator drying: Efficient moisture removal, preserves quality, ideal for high water content mushrooms.

Oven drying: Controlled temperature, suitable for moderate to low water content fungi.

Air drying: Natural method, best used in dry, warm climates with good airflow.

Tips on Freezing Preservation of Violet webcap

Freezing Methods

Blanching Before Freezing

Freezing Duration

10 - 12 months

Blanching before freezing: Immersion in boiling water for brief period then cooled quickly.

Tips on Refrigeration Preservation of Violet webcap

Refrigerating Methods

Paper Bag Storage, Cloth Wrapping, Original Packaging Storage, Crisper Drawer Storage, Perforated Plastic Bag Storage

Temperature

2 - 4 ℃

Refrigerating Humidity

90 - 95 %

Refrigerating Duration

5 - 7 days

Paper Bag Storage: Stores mushrooms in a breathable container, balancing moisture and preventing sliminess.

Cloth Wrapping: Envelops mushrooms in a slightly damp cloth to maintain humidity without waterlogging.

Original Packaging Storage: Reuses the mushroom's original packaging, designed for optimal storage conditions.

Crisper Drawer Storage: Keeps mushrooms separated from other produce to prevent flavor transfer.

Perforated Plastic Bag Storage: Allows limited airflow, securing mushrooms while minimizing dehydration risk.

Common Questions People Also Ask

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