Contrary Webcap

Cortinarius varius

Coniferous forests. Summer, autumn.

Fruiting bodies medium-sized. Cap 5-8 (10) cm across, flattened-convex, horizontal, slimy, yellowish-brown, reddish-brown, the margins paler. Young gills bluish, when mature reddish-brown, sinuate. Stem 5-10x1-3 cm, thickening evenly towards the base, white, fibrous, with a bluish tinge, when old yellowish-brown, with a ring-like remnant of the brown veil. Flesh whitish, with a mild smell and taste, thick. Characteristic features: cap brown; the gills are violet-bluish until the spores mature. Grows singly or in small groups in spruce and pine forests, likes calcareous soil. Edible.