Flowery Blewit
Lepista irina
Do not eat any fungi that has not been properly identified by a qualified professional, some are DEADLY when ingested. All edible wild fungi MUST be cooked.
Flowery Blewit is a common and widespread, medium-to-large-sized mushroom. It typically grows in late summer well into the autumn either in small groups, clusters or fairy rings. It grows on the ground in soil or on woody debris. It is saprobic, obtaining its nutrients from decaying organic matter. It has a “flowery” odour that is somewhat faint, yet sometimes strong and sharp.
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Type
Distinguishing Features
The cap measures 5 to 10 cm across; growing hemispherical then broadly convex with an undulating margin. The cap is smooth, white becoming pale beige. When moist, it is pinkish brown towards the centre. When the mushroom first appears, the cap can be sticky. The flesh is thick, white to pinkish, and soft.
Height
The flowery blewit does not grow tall, it is low to the ground. Typically they are 5 to 8 cm tall. Once the leaves start falling they can be hard to spot.
Habitat
Deciduous and sometimes conifer forests. Most common in deciduous forests.
Spore Print
Creamy white.
Season
Late summer well into autumn.
Gills
The gills are adnate or sinuate; narrow; crowded; cream, turning buff-pink when mature.
Edibility
It is edible when fully cooked; however, it has been known to cause upset stomach in some individuals.
Other Name
Clitocybe irina.
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