# Cortinarius Angelesianus

Cortinarius Angelesianus is a fascinating mushroom that can often be found in damp, shady areas. Its unique colors and shapes make it a fun find for young nature explorers!

- **Category:** [Fungi](https://www.snappit.app/explore/categories/fungi)
- **Rarity:** Common
- **Danger:** 2/5 · Low
- **Habitat:** Moist, shaded forest areas, often near trees.
- **Also known as:** Angel's Cortinarius, Angelesian Mushroom, Colorful Cortinarius

![Cortinarius Angelesianus](https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?title=Special:Redirect/file/Cortinarius_angelesianus_A.H.Sm._2882384435.jpg&width=800)

Photo: The Norwegian Biodiversity Information Centre (NBIC) (Siv Moen, Jostein Jektnes, Bente Brenna, Anne Christenson, Perry Gunnar Larsen), CC BY 4.0 · [Wikimedia Commons](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Cortinarius_angelesianus_A.H.Sm._2882384435.jpg)

## Appearance

The Cortinarius Angelesianus is a striking mushroom with a vibrant purple cap, gills, and stem. Its cap starts convex and flattens with age, sometimes fading slightly. A rusty brown spore print often dusts its stem, making it distinct from other purple fungi.

## Taxonomy

- **Kingdom:** Fungi
- **Phylum:** Basidiomycota
- **Class:** Agaricomycetes
- **Order:** Agaricales
- **Family:** Cortinariaceae
- **Genus:** Cortinarius

## Interesting facts

- Its scientific name means 'from Los Angeles,' where it was first described!
- Look closely for its web-like veil, called a cortina, when it's young!
- Many purple Cortinarius mushrooms are surprisingly poisonous, so admire from afar!
- This mushroom helps oak trees by acting like a secret underground delivery service.

## Special abilities

- **Mycorrhizal Marvel:** Cortinarius Angelesianus can form a special partnership with tree roots, sharing nutrients that help both grow strong.
- **Spore Spreader:** Cortinarius Angelesianus has a rust-colored spore print that helps it spread its tiny 'seeds' to new locations.
- **Color Changer:** Cortinarius Angelesianus has a cap that can fade from vibrant purple to duller hues as it matures or dries out.

## Measurements & details

- **Height:** 4-10 cm
- **Edible:** poisonous
- **Size:** 3-8 cm
- **Growth Substrate:** soil
- **Season:** Fall to early winter
- **Spore Color:** Rusty brown

## Ecological connections

- **Symbiotic with:** [coast live oak](https://www.snappit.app/explore/coast-live-oak) (*Quercus agrifolia*) — forms mycorrhizal partnership with its roots.
- **Symbiotic with:** [California black oak](https://www.snappit.app/explore/california-black-oak) (*Quercus kelloggii*) — exchanges nutrients with its roots in woodlands.
- **Symbiotic with:** Coulter pine (*Pinus coulteri*) — can also form beneficial root associations.

## Traits

- [Solitary](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/solitary): Solitary animals live alone for most of their lives, only interacting with others for mating or parental care.
- [Colorful](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/colorful): Colorful describes organisms or objects displaying a wide range of bright and distinct colors.
- [Decomposer](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/decomposer): Describes organisms that break down dead organic material, recycling nutrients back into the ecosystem.
- [Forest](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/forest): Forest habitats are terrestrial environments dominated by dense tree cover, supporting a high diversity of plant and animal life.
- [Nocturnal](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/nocturnal): Nocturnal animals are primarily active during the nighttime hours, typically resting or sleeping during the day.

## Collections

- [Fungi](https://www.snappit.app/explore/collections/fungi)

## Safety

**Danger:** 2/5 · Low

Do not touch or eat wild mushrooms without adult supervision.

## Frequently Asked Questions

### How to identify Cortinarius Angelesianus?

Compare the cap shape, the underside, the stem and base, and whether the fungus grows on wood or soil. Some fungi have gills, others pores or teeth. A cap seen only from above often hides the most useful features. Mushroom Identifier: upload a photo and compare the visible details.

### How tall is Cortinarius Angelesianus?

4-10 cm

### Is Cortinarius Angelesianus edible?

poisonous

### How big is Cortinarius Angelesianus?

3-8 cm

### Where is Cortinarius Angelesianus usually found?

Moist, shaded forest areas, often near trees.

### What does Cortinarius Angelesianus grow on?

soil

### When is Cortinarius Angelesianus in season?

Fall to early winter

### What color are Cortinarius Angelesianus spores?

Rusty brown

## Where to spot

- [Raymond B. Winter State Park](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/raymond-b-winter-state-park) — Pennsylvania, US · State Park

## More Fungi

- [Field Mushroom](https://www.snappit.app/explore/field-mushroom) (*Agaricus*)
- [Button Mushroom](https://www.snappit.app/explore/button-mushroom) (*Agaricus*)
- [Portobello Mushroom](https://www.snappit.app/explore/portobello-mushroom) (*Agaricus*)
- [Shiitake](https://www.snappit.app/explore/shiitake) (*Lentinula*)

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Source: [Cortinarius Angelesianus: Facts & Places to See — Snappit](https://www.snappit.app/explore/cortinarius-angelesianus)