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Marsh cobweb, willow, swamp, coastal - these are all names of the same mushroom, which is part of the Cobweb family. A characteristic feature of this genus is the presence of cortina along the edge of the cap and on the stalk. This species is much less common than its relatives. Its official name is Cortinarius uliginosus.
What does the marsh web look like?
The edges of the cap of the marsh cobweb in most cases crack
The fruit body has a traditional shape, so both the cap and the stem are clearly visible.But in order to distinguish it from other species in the forest, it is necessary to study in more detail the characteristics of this representative of a large family.
Description of the cap
The upper part of the marsh webwort changes its shape during the growth period. In young specimens it resembles a bell, but when ripe it expands, maintaining a convexity in the center. The diameter of the cap reaches 2-6 cm. Its surface is silky. Color varies from copper-orange to red-brown.
The flesh at the break has a pale yellow tint, but directly under the skin it is reddish.
On the back of the cap you can see sparsely located plates of a bright yellow hue, and when ripe they acquire a saffron color. The spores are elliptical in shape, wide and rough. When ripe they turn rusty brown. Their size is (7) 8 – 11 (12) × (4.5) 5 – 6.5 (7) microns.
You can recognize the marsh cobweb by the characteristic odor of iodoform that it emits
Description of the leg
The shape of the lower part is cylindrical. Its length can vary dramatically depending on the place of growth. In an open clearing it can be short and only 3 cm, and near a swamp in moss it can reach 10 cm. Its thickness varies from 0.2 to 0.8 cm. The structure is fibrous.
The color of the lower part is slightly different from the cap. It is darker at the top and lighter at the base.
On the leg of the marsh webwort there is a slight red band - the remains of a bedspread
Where and how does it grow
Marsh cobweb prefers to grow in damp places, like its other relatives. Most often it can be found under willows, less often - near alder.The active fruiting period occurs in August-September.
Prefers the following habitats:
- mountain lowlands;
- along lakes or rivers;
- in the swamp;
- dense grass thickets.
Is the mushroom edible or not?
Marsh cobweb belongs to the category of inedible and poisonous. It is strictly prohibited to eat it fresh or after processing. Ignoring this rule can cause severe intoxication.
Doubles and their differences
This species is in many ways similar to its close relative, the saffron cobweb. But in the latter, the pulp at the break has a characteristic radish smell. The color of the cap is rich chestnut-brown, and the edge is yellow-brown. The mushroom is also inedible. It grows in pine needle plantings, places covered with heather, near roads. The official name is Cortinarius croceus.
The color of cortina in the saffron spider plant is lemon yellow.
Conclusion
Marsh cobweb is a bright representative of its family. Experienced mushroom pickers know that this species cannot be eaten, so they avoid it. And beginners need to be careful that this mushroom does not end up in the general basket, since even a small piece of it can cause serious health complications.
