Rosy Gilled Laccaria

Physical Characteristics

Cap is typically convex to flattened, often with a central depression, and can be pale to dark orange-brown, sometimes with a velvety or finely scaled surface. It measures 1-5 cm across. Gills are adnate to slightly decurrent, widely spaced, and distinctively pinkish or rosy. The stem is slender, colored similarly to the cap, and may have a slightly fibrillose (fibrous) texture, reaching 2-8 cm in height. It sometimes shows bluish or purplish tints at the base. Spore print is white.

Habitat & Growing Conditions

Typically found growing scattered or in groups on soil among leaf litter or pine needles in coniferous and mixed woods.

Season & Fruiting Time

Late summer and autumn.

Similar Looking Species

Laccaria laccata (Deceiver) is very similar but usually lacks the distinct rosy tint in its gills. Laccaria amethystina (Amethyst Deceiver) has a purple cap and gills. Other Laccaria species can be difficult to distinguish without microscopic examination.

Ecological Role

Mycorrhizal, forming a symbiotic relationship with trees, primarily conifers. The fungus helps the trees absorb water and nutrients from the soil, while the trees provide carbohydrates to the fungus.

Identified on: 12/5/2025

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