Extract from Wikipedia article: Cortinarius violaceus, commonly known as the violet webcap or violet cort, is a fungus in the webcap genus Cortinarius native across the Northern Hemisphere. The fruit bodies are dark purple mushrooms with caps up to 15 cm (6 in) across, sporting gills underneath. The stalk measures 6 to 12 centimetres (2 ⁄3 to 4 ⁄3 in) by 1 to 2 centimetres (⁄8 to ⁄4 in), sometimes with a thicker base. The dark flesh has a smell reminiscent of cedar wood. Forming symbiotic (ectomycorrhizal) relationships with the roots of various plant species, C. violaceus is found predominantly in conifer forests in North America and deciduous forests in Europe.
Cortinarius violaceus is a medium-sized, violet-colored mushroom with a bell-shaped cap and pale violet gills. It has a slender stem and a ringless, velvety appearance. In East and Central Texas, it typically grows in association with oak and pine trees, particularly in moist, wooded areas during the fall season. The fungus can be found fruiting singly or in small groups, often in areas with rich soil and abundant leaf litter.
Violet webcap mushrooms (Cortinarius violaceus) in a pine forest in Big Creek Scenic Area of Sam Houston National Forest. Shepherd, Texas, November 23, 2018 Lone Star Hiking Trail, Shepherd, TX 77371, USA
Gills of violet webcap mushrooms (Cortinarius violaceus) in a pine forest in Big Creek Scenic Area of Sam Houston National Forest. Shepherd, Texas, November 23, 2018 Lone Star Hiking Trail, Shepherd, TX 77371, USA
Dissected violet webcap mushroom (Cortinarius violaceus) in Big Creek Scenic Area of Sam Houston National Forest. Shepherd, Texas, November 23, 2018 Lone Star Hiking Trail, Shepherd, TX 77371, USA
Darker colored violet webcap mushrooms (Cortinarius violaceus) in a pine forest in Big Creek Scenic Area of Sam Houston National Forest. Shepherd, Texas, November 23, 2018 Lone Star Hiking Trail, Shepherd, TX 77371, USA
Violet webcap mushrooms (Cortinarius violaceus) under pines and oaks in a relatively dry area on South Wilderness Loop Trail at Little Lake Creek Wilderness in Sam Houston National Forest near Richards. Texas, October 23, 2021 Little Lake Creek Loop Trail, Montgomery County, Texas, 77873, United States
Gills of a violet webcap mushroom (Cortinarius violaceus) on South Wilderness Loop Trail at Little Lake Creek Wilderness in Sam Houston National Forest near Richards. Texas, October 23, 2021 Little Lake Creek Loop Trail, Montgomery County, Texas, 77873, United States
Cap of a violet webcap mushroom (Cortinarius violaceus) on South Wilderness Loop Trail at Little Lake Creek Wilderness in Sam Houston National Forest near Richards. Texas, October 23, 2021 Little Lake Creek Loop Trail, Montgomery County, Texas, 77873, United States
Cross section of violet webcap mushrooms (Cortinarius violaceus) on South Wilderness Loop Trail at Little Lake Creek Wilderness in Sam Houston National Forest near Richards. Texas, October 23, 2021 Little Lake Creek Loop Trail, Montgomery County, Texas, 77873, United States
Side view of a violet webcap mushroom (Cortinarius violaceus) on South Wilderness Loop Trail at Little Lake Creek Wilderness in Sam Houston National Forest near Richards. Texas, October 23, 2021 Little Lake Creek Loop Trail, Montgomery County, Texas, 77873, United States
Underside of a violet webcap mushroom (Cortinarius violaceus) on South Wilderness Loop Trail at Little Lake Creek Wilderness in Sam Houston National Forest near Richards. Texas, October 23, 2021 Little Lake Creek Loop Trail, Montgomery County, Texas, 77873, United States
Gills of a mushroom violet webcap (Cortinarius violaceus) collected at mushroom walk of Gulf States Mycological Society. Little Thicket Nature Sanctuary, Cleveland, Texas, November 13, 2021 San Jacinto County, Texas, United States
Violet webcap mushrooms (Cortinarius violaceus) in Big Creek Scenic Area of Sam Houston National Forest. Shepherd, Texas, November 21, 2021 Big Creek Trail, San Jacinto County, Texas, United States
AI-generated summary of observations
Observations of Cortinarius violaceus in East and Central Texas reveal that the fungus grows in pine forests, often under pines and oaks. The mushrooms were found in the Big Creek Scenic Area of Sam Houston National Forest, as well as in Little Lake Creek Wilderness, near Richards, Texas. They tend to thrive in relatively dry areas, with observations made in November 2018 and October/November 2021. The fungus exhibits a range of colors, from vibrant violet to darker hues. Dissections and cross-sections reveal the mushroom's internal structure, including its gills and cap. Additional observations were made at Little Thicket Nature Sanctuary in Cleveland, Texas, during a mushroom walk organized by the Gulf States Mycological Society. Overall, Cortinarius violaceus appears to be widespread in East and Central Texas, particularly in areas with pine and oak trees.