A small edible mushroom found worldwide and year-round. However, its variable appearance can make identification challenging.
The fruiting body changes significantly with age. Older fruiting bodies may become funnel-shaped and highly deformed.
1.5–7 cm (0.6–2.8 inches) in diameter. Initially convex, the caps flatten with age, sometimes developing a depressed center and raised, uneven edges. The color varies widely, ranging from salmon-pink and orange to brick-red and brown, though these vibrant hues are typically seen in young specimens during wet weather. As the mushroom ages or in dry conditions, the cap fades, becoming lighter and beige.
The gills are widely spaced and uneven, with long ones alternating with shorter ones. They are adnate or emarginate. Initially, their color may match the cap (pink, reddish-orange, or brown), but they lighten over time due to the white spores. With age, the color typically fades and turns pale brown.
2–10 cm (0.8–4 inches) tall and 0.2–1 cm (0.08–0.4 inches) in diameter. The stem is tough and fibrous, particularly at the base, often becoming twisted and hollow with age. Its color ranges from beige and pinkish to reddish-orange and brown.
The flesh is thin and similar in color to the cap.
In groups or scattered
The spore print is white or creamy.
It grows in mixed forests, heathlands, and parks. It is found on poor sandy soils and in boggy areas.
Not distinctive; some say the smell resembles that of radish.
The Deceiver is edible and mild-tasting. The stems are not suitable for eating as they are very tough.
Among the dangerous look-alikes is the deadly Galerina marginata, which can resemble Laccaria laccata in shape and color.
Galerina marginata has a ring on its stem, whereas Laccaria laccata does not. However, caution is necessary, as the ring can thin and disappear with age.
The most reliable distinguishing feature is the spore print: Galerina marginata has a brown spore print, while Laccaria laccata has a white one.
Galerina marginata tends to have relatively more crowded gills, but this is not consistent across all specimens, so this feature alone should not be relied upon for identification.
Additionally, Galerina marginata typically grows on wood, though the wood may sometimes be buried and not immediately visible. In contrast, Laccaria laccata is a mycorrhizal species, found growing on soil.
- Arora, D. (1986) Mushrooms demystified. Ten Speed Press
- Your 2,300-page wildlife window on the World Wide Web (no date) Wildflowers, wild orchids, fungi, wildlife; nature books, reserves. Available at: https://www.first-nature.com/index.php (Accessed: 26 June 2024).
- Foraging for mushrooms and other wild foods in the UK (2024) Wild Food UK. Available at: https://www.wildfooduk.com/ (Accessed: 26 June 2024).
