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Bicolored deceiver

Laccaria bicolor

A species of Deceivers

The bicolored deceiver (Laccaria bicolor) is a great little mushroom with quite the story to tell. Its presence has powerful beneficial effects on soil, and it is commonly used in commercial nurseries as a soil amendment to help seedlings grow big and strong. It was also the very first gilled mushroom to have every single one of its genomes sequenced!

Cap Diameter:

2 - 6 cm

Odor:

Mildly mushroomy but not distinctive.

General Info About Bicolored deceiver

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Attributes of Bicolored deceiver

Cap Diameter

2 - 6 cm

Height

5 - 14 cm

Cap

Cap 1 - 7 cm across; convex to flat; orangish brown to pinkish brown; with finely hairy, or finely scaly, roughened

Cap Shape

Convex, Flat, Depressed

Cap Surfaces

Fibrillose-scaly

Gills

Attached; distant; light purple, pinkish

Gill Attachment

Attached

Stem

Stem 3 - 10 cm long, 1 cm thick; orangish brown to pinkish brown; with finely hairy

Stem Shapes

Cylindrical

Stem Surfaces

Fibrillose

Stem Cross Sections

Hollow or cottony hollow

Flesh

Pale purplish or whitish

Ring

Ringless

Spore Print Color

White

Odor

Mildly mushroomy but not distinctive.

Body Color

Brown

White

Orange

Pink

Flesh Bruises

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

Growth Form

Scattered, Gregarious

Nutrient Gathering

Mycorrhizal

Substrate

On soil, Mosses, Leaf or Needle Litter

You can find Bicolored deceiver by these plants:

Pines, Spruces, Populus, Oaks, Firs

Occurence Habitats

Coniferous Woodland, Mixed Woodland

Species Status

Rather uncommon

Endangered Species

How to Identify Bicolored deceiver

Fruiting Body Cap Gills

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Habitat of Bicolored deceiver

The bicolored deceiver can be found in mixed and coniferous forests where it lives in a symbiotic relationship with conifers, particularly pines. It grows on the ground, near the roots of its host tree, often in moss or forest litter.

Uses of Bicolored deceiver

Bicolored deceiver is an edible mushroom species valued for its culinary applications. It's popular among foragers and can be found in certain seasons, adding a unique flavor to dishes. While bicolored deceiver is not among the most sought-after mushrooms, it holds moderate collection value. As with any wild mushroom, caution is advised during identification to ensure safety before consumption.

Scientific Classification of Bicolored deceiver

Phylum

Club fungi

Class

Mushroom-forming fungi

Order

Gilled fungi

Family

Hydnangiaceae

Genus

Deceivers

Toxicity and Edibility of Bicolored deceiver

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Edibility of Bicolored deceiver

The bicolored deceiver is reported to be edible, although, as its name suggests, it has some unfriendly look-alikes. Among these are toxic species such as the Lilac Bonnet (Mycena pura) and the Lilac Fibercap (Inocybe geophylla var. lilacina). The stem of the bicolored deceiver must be discarded, as it is too fibrous to be edible.

Similar Species to Bicolored deceiver

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Lilac bonnet

Similar Species

Bicolored deceiver

How to Differentiate Between Lilac bonnet and Bicolored deceiver?

Bicolored deceiver: Cap is smooth or slightly fibrous.

Lilac bonnet: Cap is smoother.

Bicolored deceiver: Stem is sturdy and matches the cap's color.

Lilac bonnet: Stem is thin, fragile, and usually paler than the cap.

Tips for Finding Bicolored deceiver

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When is the Best Time to Find Bicolored deceiver

Search for bicolored deceiver during late summer to early autumn, as cooler temperatures and moist conditions after rainfall significantly increase your chances of finding them.

What are the Ideal Soil Conditions for Bicolored deceiver

Prefers neutral to acidic soils.

What are Some Tips for Finding Bicolored deceiver

Investigate around conifers, especially where moss is present as bicolored deceiver often grow nearby.
Look for bicolored deceiver in areas with mixed woodland and heathland, as they are common in such environments.
Examine under leaf litter in both dense forests and sparse woodlands to find bicolored deceiver.
Search gregariously or in scattered formations, focusing on slightly moist soil areas.
Be thorough but gentle while disturbing leaf litter or mosses to uncover hidden bicolored deceiver specimens.

How to Clean and Preserve Bicolored deceiver

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How to Clean Bicolored deceiver

Bicolored deceiver are easy to clean. Gently brush off any soil or debris from the cap, and use a soft brush or cloth for the gills. Avoid soaking as it may change their texture. Trim the base of the stem if necessary.

Tips on Dry Preservation of Bicolored deceiver

Drying Methods

Dehydrator Drying, Oven Drying, Air Drying

Drying Duration

12 - 18 months

Store in airtight containers, cool, dark place, with low humidity and stable temperature.

Dehydrator drying: Provides controlled temperature, maintaining texture and color integrity.

Oven drying: Useful for consistent heating and faster drying process.

Air drying: Natural method, best in low humidity and warm climate, takes longer.

Tips on Freezing Preservation of Bicolored deceiver

Freezing Methods

Blanching Before Freezing

Freezing Duration

10 - 12 months

Blanching before freezing: Briefly heat to deactivate enzymes, then cool quickly and freeze.

Tips on Refrigeration Preservation of Bicolored deceiver

Refrigerating Methods

Paper Bag Storage, Plastic Wrap Storage, Ventilated Container Storage, Container with Absorbent Lining

Temperature

1 - 3 ℃

Refrigerating Humidity

85 - 95 %

Refrigerating Duration

5 - 7 days

Paper Bag Storage: Mushroom stems and caps are separated and stored in a paper bag to allow ethylene and moisture escape, which inhibits spoilage.

Plastic Wrap Storage: Individual mushrooms are loosely wrapped in plastic wrap, permitting limited airflow to reduce moisture accumulation.

Ventilated Container Storage: Mushrooms are placed in containers with perforations, allowing for airflow while preventing dehydration and condensation.

Container with Absorbent Lining: Line a storage container with a clean towel to absorb excess moisture, keeping the mushrooms dry and firm.

Common Questions People Also Ask

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More Mushrooms That Are Similar to Bicolored deceiver

Amethyst deceiver

Laccaria amethystina

Common laccaria

Laccaria laccata