Blewit
Clitocybe nuda
Identification of Lilac-Stemmed Mushroom (High Risk Lookalikes)
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Key Features
- Cap brownish-pink
- smooth
- convex to flat
- Gills crowded
- adnate
- distinct lilac/purple color
- Stem robust
- pale lilac
- fibrous
- Growing in grass/soil environment
Color:
Cap brownish-pink; Stem and Gills lilac/purple
Smell:
Unknown
Growth Pattern:
Single
Environment:
Soil
Habitat & Distribution
Habitat:
Lawn or grassland
Distribution:
Widespread across Northern Hemisphere (North America, Europe)
Seasonality:
Late Summer to Autumn
Critical Features for Confirmation
- Spore print color is critical for distinguishing Blewits from toxic lookalikes (Cortinarius/Entoloma)
- Odor (smell) is unknown, which is a key field characteristic for Blewits
Economic Value
Market Demand:
Unknown - safety risk prevents commercial recommendation
Price Range:
N/A
Commercial Use:
None
Similar Species
Goat Webcap
Cortinarius traganus
Key Differences:
- Spore print rusty brown (Blewit is pinkish-buff)
- Strong, unpleasant acrid or goaty odor
- Often has remnants of a rusty cortina (veil)
Purple-staining Webcap
Cortinarius purpurascens
Key Differences:
- Flesh bruises deep purple or reddish when cut
- Spore print rusty brown
- Typically found under conifers
Recommended Action
Do not consume. Obtain spore print for definitive identification.