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Edibility
Edible
Lookalike Danger
2 / 5
Habitat
🌳 Mossy woods
Season
Aug – Oct
"Deep violet throughout. Fades to brown when dry — that's the 'deceiver.' Mild, beautiful."
This species is found with or partners with the following hosts. Ectomycorrhizal hosts (green border) form a root-level partnership; ericoid / arbutoid shrubs (purple border) share the same mycorrhizal networks.

Substrate for many mushroom species — chanterelles, Russulas, and more fruit through mossy duff.
Small bright purple mushroom in mossy forest duff. Fades to pale tan when old (hence "deceiver" — color varies). Mild flavor; mainly used for color. Bioaccumulates arsenic — do not eat from contaminated soils.
Moss and leaf litter in hardwood forests across North America and Europe. Summer through fall.
Min Soil Temp
55°F
Moisture Need
rain 0.5in 7d
Drought Tolerance
moderate
Elevation Range
0–13,800 ft
Some purple Cortinarius are deadly. Always check spore print — Laccaria is white; Cortinarius is rust-brown.
Mossy woods
Photograph it and log your observation on iNaturalist. The community can help confirm your ID — always get confirmation before eating.