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Cobweb marsh, willow, swamp, coastal – these are all names of the same mushroom, which is part of the Spider Web family. A characteristic difference of this genus is the presence of cortina along the edge of the cap and on the stem. This species is much rarer than its relatives. Its official name is Cortinarius uliginosus.
What does a marsh spider 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 leg are clearly expressed. But in order to distinguish it from other species in the forest, it is necessary to study in more detail the features of this representative of a large family.
Cap Description
The upper part of the marsh cobweb changes its shape during the growth period. In young specimens, it resembles a bell, but expands when mature, retaining a bulge in the center. The diameter of the cap reaches 2-6 cm. Its surface is silky. The color varies from copper-orange to red-brown.
The flesh is pale yellow when broken, but reddish directly under the skin.
On the reverse side of the cap, you can see rarely located plates of a bright yellow hue, and when ripe, they acquire a saffron color. Spores are elliptical in shape, broad rough. When ripe, they become rusty brown. Their size is (7) 8 – 11 (12) × (4.5) 5 – 6.5 (7) µm.
You can recognize the marsh cobweb by the characteristic smell of iodoform, which it exudes
Description of the leg
The shape of the lower part is cylindrical. Its length can change dramatically depending on the place of growth. In an open meadow, it can be short and be 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 hat. It is darker on top and lighter at the base.
On the leg of the marsh cobweb there is a slight red belt – the remains of the bedspread
Where and how to grow
The marsh cobweb prefers to grow in damp places, like its other relatives. Most often it can be found under willows, less often near alders. The active period of fruiting falls on August-September.
Prefers the following habitats:
- mountain lowlands;
- along lakes or rivers;
- in the swamp;
- dense herbage.
Is the mushroom edible or not?
Marsh cobweb belongs to the category of inedible and poisonous. It is strictly forbidden to eat it fresh and after processing. Ignoring this rule can cause severe intoxication.
Twins and their differences
This species is in many ways similar to its close relative, the saffron cobweb. But in the latter, the flesh at the break has a characteristic smell of radish. The color of the cap is rich chestnut-brown, and along the edge – yellow-brown. The mushroom is also inedible. It grows in plantations of needles, places covered with heather, near roads. The official name is Cortinarius croceus.
The color of the cortina in the saffron cobweb 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 bypass it. And beginners need to be careful that this mushroom does not fall into the general basket, since even a small piece of it can cause serious health complications.
