Viscid Violet Cort
Cortinarius iodes
The thick, bitter slime coating its cap is a clever defense mechanism that prevents the mushroom from drying out and deters slugs from eating it.
- Scientific name
- Cortinarius iodes
- Taxonomy
- Fungi › Basidiomycota › Agaricomycetes › Agaricales › Cortinariaceae › Cortinarius
- IUCN Red List status
- Least Concern
- Population trend
- stable
- Biome
- forest
- Habitat
- Deciduous and mixed forests, growing on the ground solitarily or in small groups near hardwood trees.
- Diet
- Mycorrhizal; absorbs organic nutrients and water from host tree roots in exchange for minerals.
- Range
- Eastern North America, Central America, Northern South America, East Asia
- Size
- Cap diameter of 2 to 6 cm; stem length of 3 to 7 cm.
- Lifespan
- The underground mycelium can live for decades, while the purple fruiting body lasts only 7 to 14 days.
- Active
- diurnal
- Threats
- Deforestation, soil compaction from heavy foot traffic, and loss of mature host oak and beech trees.
- Safe to approach?
- Harmless to touch, but do not consume. While not confirmed to be deadly, many of its close relatives contain lethal toxins, making this species strictly inedible. Enjoy its vibrant purple slime from a safe distance, and wash your hands if you happen to touch it. If accidentally ingested, seek medical attention immediately.
Cortinarius iodes , commonly known as the spotted cort or the viscid violet cort , is a species of agaric fungus in the family Cortinariaceae. The fruit bodies have small, slimy, purple caps up to 6 cm (2.4 in) in diameter that develop yellowish spots and streaks in maturity. The gill color changes from violet to rusty or grayish brown as the mushroom matures. The species range includes the eastern North America, Central America, northern South America, and northern Asia,...
Photo: Charles de Martigny, CC-BY, via iNaturalist
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