Cortinarius lewisii is a species of fungus that belongs to the family Cortinariaceae. It is characterized by its small to medium size, bell-shaped to convex cap, and rusty brown to reddish-brown color. The gills are adnate to slightly decurrent, and the stipe is slender and cylindrical. In East and Central Texas, Cortinarius lewisii has been found growing in association with oak and pine trees, typically in sandy or clay soils. It fruits from summer to fall, often in areas with rich organic matter and moderate moisture. The fungus is considered rare to uncommon in the region, but can be locally abundant in suitable habitats.
Yellow webcap mushrooms Cortinarius lewisii in Huntsville State Park. Texas, October 27, 2018 State Park Rd 40, New Waverly, TX 77358, USA
Dissected yellow webcap mushrooms Cortinarius lewisii in Huntsville State Park. Texas, October 27, 2018 State Park Rd 40, New Waverly, TX 77358, USA
Side view of a webcap mushroom Cortinarius lewisii(?) in Watson Rare Native Plant Preserve. Warren, Texas, November 10, 2018
Gills of a small yellow webcap mushroom Cortinarius lewisii(?) in Watson Rare Native Plant Preserve. Warren, Texas, November 10, 2018
Cap of a small yellow webcap (Cortinarius) mushroom Cortinarius lewisii(?) in Watson Rare Native Plant Preserve. Warren, Texas, November 10, 2018
Webcap mushrooms Cortinarius lewisii(?) in Big Creek Scenic Area of Sam Houston National Forest. Shepherd, Texas, November 23, 2018 Lone Star Hiking Trail, Coldspring, TX 77331, USA
Group of webcap mushrooms Cortinarius lewisii(?) in Big Creek Scenic Area of Sam Houston National Forest. Shepherd, Texas, November 23, 2018 Lone Star Hiking Trail, Coldspring, TX 77331, USA
Webcap mushrooms Cortinarius lewisii collected during a mushroom walk on a property at 5369 Farm to Market Road 770 near Kountze. Texas, June 8, 2019 5369 Farm to Market Rd 770, Kountze, TX 77625, USA
Young webcap mushrooms Cortinarius lewisii on a property at 5369 Farm to Market Road 770 near Kountze. Texas, November 9, 2019 5369 Farm to Market Rd 770, Kountze, TX 77625, USA
Webcap mushrooms Cortinarius lewisii at the base of a tree on a property at 5369 Farm to Market Road 770 near Kountze. Texas, November 9, 2019 Unnamed Road, Kountze, TX 77625, USA
AI-generated summary of observations
Observations of Cortinarius lewisii in East and Central Texas reveal that this species can be found in various locations, including Huntsville State Park, Watson Rare Native Plant Preserve, Big Creek Scenic Area of Sam Houston National Forest, and private properties near Kountze. The mushrooms were observed on multiple dates, from October 2018 to November 2019, suggesting a potentially long fruiting season. They were often found in groups, sometimes at the base of trees, and displayed characteristic yellow caps and gills. Dissection of the mushrooms revealed their internal structure, confirming identification as Cortinarius lewisii. The species appears to be relatively common in the region, with sightings in both fall and spring, although some observations are tentative due to the use of "(?)" notation, indicating possible but not certain identification.