Western Amethyst Laccaria

Description:

Laccaria amethysteo-occidentalis previously was known in California as Laccaria amethystina, an Eastern North American species. Laccaria amethysteo-occidentalis differs from Laccaria amethystina by its larger size, deeper purple color, sub-globose instead of globose spores, and shorter spines on the spores. The color of this mushroom, except the gills, fades fast as it loses moisture. In fact unless you find this fungus when very fresh, often the only purple you see is in the gills.

Habitat:

Scattered to gregarious on ground in forests, mostly pine. found these growing in a fairly dark section of the trail in an area of Spruce, Madrone, Rhododendron and a few Red Alder.

Notes:

Edible, with good texture, but not much flavor.