Synonyms: Agaricus iocephalus, Collybia iocephala, Marasmius iocephalus, Mycena iocephala.
Gymnopus iocephalus is a small to medium-sized fungus with a bell-shaped to convex cap that ranges in color from reddish-brown to yellowish-brown, often with a distinctive darker brown to black center. The gills are crowded and pale yellowish-brown. It grows in clusters on deciduous logs, stumps, and woody debris, particularly on oak and elm. In East and Central Texas, it typically fruits from spring to fall, with peak activity during the summer months. The fungus is relatively common in the region, found in a variety of habitats including forests, woodlands, and urban areas.
Violet Collybia mushroom (Gymnopus iocephalus) taken from a rotten pine(?) stump on Caney Creek Trail (Little Lake Creek Loop Trail) in Sam Houston National Forest, near Huntsville. Texas, September 15, 2018
Little Lake Creek Loop Trail, Montgomery, TX 77356, USA
Side view of Violet Collybia mushroom (Gymnopus iocephalus) taken from a rotten stump on Caney Creek Trail (Little Lake Creek Loop Trail) in Sam Houston National Forest, near Huntsville. Texas, September 15, 2018Little Lake Creek Loop Trail, Montgomery, TX 77356, USA
Gills of Violet Collybia mushroom (Gymnopus iocephalus) taken from a rotten stump on Caney Creek Trail (Little Lake Creek Loop Trail) in Sam Houston National Forest, near Huntsville. Texas, September 15, 2018Little Lake Creek Loop Trail, Montgomery, TX 77356, USA
Violet mushrooms Gymnopus iocephalus on Little Lake Creek Loop Trail in Sam Houston National Forest. Richards, Texas, September 29, 2018Lone Star Hiking Trail, Montgomery, TX 77356, USA
Close up of violet mushrooms Gymnopus iocephalus on Little Lake Creek Loop Trail in Sam Houston National Forest. Richards, Texas, September 29, 2018Lone Star Hiking Trail, Montgomery, TX 77356, USA
Violet mushrooms Gymnopus iocephalus on white background on Little Lake Creek Loop Trail in Sam Houston National Forest. Richards, Texas, September 29, 2018Lone Star Hiking Trail, Montgomery, TX 77356, USA
Gills of a mushroom Gymnopus iocephalus on Chinquapin Trail in Huntsville State Park. Texas, September 24, 2020Lone Star Trail, Huntsville, TX 77340, USA
Cap of a mushroom Gymnopus iocephalus on Chinquapin Trail in Huntsville State Park. Texas, September 24, 2020Lone Star Trail, Huntsville, TX 77340, USA
Gymnopus iocephalus mushrooms near a wooden boardwalk on Chinquapin Trail in Huntsville State Park. Texas, September 24, 2020Feldspar Ln, Huntsville, TX 77340, USA
Violet mushrooms Gymnopus iocephalus on Caney Creek section of Lone Star Hiking Trail in Sam Houston National Forest north from Montgomery. Texas, August 21, 2022Lone Star Hiking Trail, Montgomery County, Texas, United States
Violet mushrooms Gymnopus iocephalus among dry leaves on Caney Creek section of Lone Star Hiking Trail in Sam Houston National Forest north from Montgomery. Texas, August 21, 2022Lone Star Hiking Trail, Montgomery County, Texas, United States
Underside of a violet mushroom Gymnopus iocephalus on Caney Creek section of Lone Star Hiking Trail in Sam Houston National Forest north from Montgomery. Texas, August 21, 2022Lone Star Hiking Trail, Montgomery County, Texas, United States
Caps of mushrooms Gymnopus iocephalus on Caney Creek section of Lone Star Hiking Trail in Sam Houston National Forest north from Montgomery. Texas, August 21, 2022Lone Star Hiking Trail, Montgomery County, Texas, United States
Violet mushrooms Gymnopus iocephalus on rotting wood on Caney Creek section of Lone Star Hiking Trail in Sam Houston National Forest north from Montgomery. Texas, August 21, 2022Lone Star Hiking Trail, Montgomery County, Texas, United States
Mushrooms Gymnopus iocephalus on Caney Creek Trail (Little Lake Creek Loop Trail) in Sam Houston National Forest north from Montgomery. Texas, September 4, 2022Little Lake Creek Loop Trail, Montgomery County, Texas, 77873, United StatesObservations of Gymnopus iocephalus in East and Central Texas reveal the fungus grows on rotting wood, such as stumps and logs, often found near trails. The mushrooms were spotted in various locations, including Sam Houston National Forest and Huntsville State Park, between August and September over several years (2018-2022). They typically appear in late summer to early fall. The fungi exhibit violet-colored caps, with gills underneath. Some observations show the mushrooms growing among dry leaves or on wooden boardwalks. Multiple sightings were recorded on Caney Creek Trail and Little Lake Creek Loop Trail, suggesting a preference for these areas. The fungus seems to thrive in the region's forest environments, particularly where there is decaying wood present. Repeat observations over several years indicate a consistent presence of Gymnopus iocephalus in East and Central Texas.
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