Lepista sordida

Lepista sordida

Taxonomy

Phylum: Basidiomycota

Class: Agaricomycetes

Order: Agaricales

Family: Tricholomataceae

A somewhat smaller and less robust mushroom than the Wood Blewit, and with deeper violet colours and a thinner cap margin when mature, Lepista sordida is not easily separated from Lepista nuda. To make matters worse this thin-fleshed member of the Lepista genus occurs in some of the same habitats.

Although not generally sought fior its cullinary properties, Lepista sordida is an edible mushroom and can be used in the same way as Field Blewits and Wood Blewits.

Identification Guide

Cap

3 to 8cm across; initially convex, flattening out or developing a central depression at maturity, usually with a slight umbo and a wavy margin; deep lilac, turning brown from the centre in dry weather.
Gills and stem of Lepista sordida

Gills

Sinuate and crowded, the gills are initially greyish lilac fading to buff with age.

Stem

4 to 6cm long and 5 to 8mm dia.; fibrillose; lilac; downy and white at base; no ring.

Spore print

White.

Odour/taste

Slightly scented; mild taste not distinctive.

Habitat

In mixed woodland usually in areas where leaf litter collects and rots.

Season

June to October.

Occurrence

Fairly common but probably often misidentified as Wood Blewit or Field Blewit.

Similar species

Lepista nuda, the Wood Blewit, is a more common species; it is very similar but has a more robust and fleshy cap.