Lepista sordida, commonly known as the Sordid Blewit, is a widespread mushroom found across the Northern Hemisphere. This intriguing fungal species often appears in various environments, captivating foragers and nature enthusiasts.
Identification and Habitat
The cap of Lepista sordida typically measures 3 to 8 centimeters across, starting as convex before flattening out or developing a central depression with age. Its margin often becomes wavy, and the color can range from a deep lilac to a lighter brown, especially in dry conditions where it browns from the center. The gills are crowded and can be grey to lilac when young, maturing to a more buff color, and are described as sinuate or emarginate in attachment to the stem.
The stem, up to 6 centimeters long, is typically lilac to brown and may have a furry or downy texture, particularly towards the base. Its spore print is white to pale pink or creamy-white. The mushroom also emits a slightly sweet and floral scent.
Lepista sordida is a saprotrophic mushroom, meaning it obtains nutrients from decaying organic matter. It frequently grows in areas rich in leaf litter, wood chips, and compost heaps, making it common in gardens, parks, and disturbed woodland areas. It commonly fruits from June to November, often growing in clusters or forming fairy rings. Observations in places like East and Central Texas show it growing under various tree species, including oaks, elms, and junipers.
Edibility and Culinary Uses
Lepista sordida is considered an edible mushroom, though not as widely sought after as some other culinary fungi. When cooked, it offers a mild, slightly sweet, and mushroomy flavor. It can be prepared in similar ways to other edible blewits, such as frying in butter.
Cook Lepista sordida thoroughly before consumption, as raw ingestion can cause gastrointestinal symptoms in some individuals. For those trying it for the first time, consume only a small portion and wait 24 hours to monitor for any adverse reactions. As with all wild mushrooms, positive identification is essential before consumption to ensure safety.
Distinguishing from Similar Species
Distinguishing Lepista sordida from other mushrooms is important for safety, as some look-alikes can be toxic. The Wood Blewit (Lepista nuda) is similar and grows in comparable habitats; however, Lepista sordida is smaller with thinner flesh. Both Lepista sordida and Lepista nuda are edible, so misidentification between these two species does not pose a health risk.
A more concerning look-alike is the Violet Webcap (Cortinarius violaceus). This species has a rusty brown spore print, a sturdier stem, and often retains remnants of its web-like cortina on the stem, which Lepista sordida lacks.
Some Cortinarius species appear purple or lilac and can be confused with Lepista sordida, but they consistently have a rust-brown spore print. Some Hygrocybe species are lilac with a white spore print, but these are found in native bushland rather than the disturbed areas where Lepista sordida typically grows. Consulting reliable field guides or experienced foragers is highly recommended to confirm identification and avoid potentially dangerous misidentification.