Wood Blewit

Lepista

The Wood Blewit is a lovely purple mushroom! It grows in wooded areas and can be found in the autumn.

Habitat: Woodlands

Appearance

The Wood Blewit has a smooth, convex cap that matures to flat, often with wavy edges, ranging from lilac to brownish-purple. Its crowded gills are purplish, fading with age, distinguishing it from many brown forest fungi.

KingdomFungiPhylumBasidiomycotaClassAgaricomycetesOrderAgaricalesFamilyTricholomataceaeGenusLepista

Wood Blewit

Interesting facts

Even after cooking, the Blewit often keeps its pretty purplish tint.

If you find one, its cap might feel slightly greasy or slimy to the touch!

Some people call them 'Amethyst Deceivers' because of their rich purple hue!

They can grow quite large, sometimes forming impressive circles in the forest.

Special abilities

Wood Blewit can release millions of tiny spores that float on the wind, helping them spread to new places and grow more mushrooms.

Wood Blewit has special enzymes that help them break down dead leaves and wood, returning nutrients to the soil for plants.

Wood Blewit can produce a distinct flowery or perfumed smell when fresh, which might help attract tiny insects.

Wood Blewit has gills that change from vibrant purple to pale brown as they age, showing their maturity and readiness to release spores.

Measurements & details

Height: 5-10 cm
Edibility: edible
Cap Diameter: 5-15 cm
Growth Substrate: leaf litter
Season: Autumn to early winter
Spore Color: Pinkish-buff

Ecological connections

depends on

English Oak

Quercus robur

Wood Blewits decompose its fallen leaves and wood.

depends on

European Beech

Fagus sylvatica

It breaks down organic matter, returning nutrients to soil near these trees.

eats

Black Slug

Arion ater

Slugs are known to munch on the caps and gills of these mushrooms.

eats

Eastern Grey Squirrel

Sciurus carolinensis

Squirrels sometimes forage for and eat these mushrooms.

Traits

Spore Producing

Discover how some plants and fungi create tiny little "seeds" called spores to help them grow new life! These tiny particles drift in the air, spreading new generations far and wide.

Edible

Find plants that are safe and delicious to eat, offering tasty treats and nourishment from nature's pantry. Always check with an adult before tasting!

Fall Color

Witness the breathtaking transformation as leaves change from green to brilliant shades of red, orange, and gold before they fall. It's a spectacular natural art show!