Banded Red-gilled Webcap (Cortinarius semisanguineus)
Banded Red-gilled Webcap
Cortinarius semisanguineus
Visual Identification
What is Banded Red-gilled Webcap? A Complete Overview
Morphological Features of Cortinarius semisanguineus
Cortinarius semisanguineus, often referred to as the 'Banded Red-gilled Webcap', is a striking mushroom known for its distinctive reddish gills and somewhat understated brown, ochre to olive-hued cap. The cap typically ranges between 3 to 8 cm in diameter and starts as a conical or bell-shaped structure that flattens with maturity, sometimes exhibiting a central umbo. Its surface texture is dry and fibrous or silky, often with fine scales or radial fibrils.
The most defining feature of C. semisanguineus lies beneath the cap: its gills exhibit a deep blood-red to burgundy hue, which contrasts strikingly against its otherwise earthy-toned upper profile. These gills are adnate to emarginate, moderately spaced, and may darken with age as the spores mature. The stipe (stem) is typically 4 to 8 cm long and narrow (0.5 to 1 cm wide), matching the cap's coloration or slightly paler. It often bears remnants of the cortina — a cobweb-like veil unique to members of its genus.
Identifying Characteristics
Spore prints of C. semisanguineus are rusty-brown, a key trait among Cortinarius species. Microscopic examination reveals rough, elliptical spores. A fibrous veil may linger around the upper stipe, giving clues to its identity. Unlike more colorful Cortinarius species, this mushroom's striking red gills make it relatively easier to identify, provided the observer is cautious of similar toxic species. The flesh of the mushroom is generally firm and ochre to yellow-brown, with a mild earthy odor; however, sensory identification alone should never guide edibility conclusions.
This species, while visually compelling, requires expertise for accurate identification due to the genus's immense diversity and many toxic members.
Taxonomic Classification
Historical and Cultural Significance of Banded Red-gilled Webcap
Ethnomycological Context and Niche Cultural Mentions
Cortinarius semisanguineus has limited cultural or historical significance compared to other well-known mushrooms. Unlike Amanita muscaria, which is deeply ingrained in shamanic traditions, or Psilocybe species used ritually in Mesoamerican cultures, C. semisanguineus does not have a major footprint in historical ethnomycology.
Traditional Natural Dyeing
However, it has been used in traditional natural dyeing. The blood-red pigment from its gills has served as a source for reddish hues in Scandinavian textile crafts. In Nordic countries, especially Norway and Sweden, it is one of several fungi utilized for producing natural dyes prior to the widespread availability of synthetic alternatives. The pigment is extracted through boiling and typically applied on wool.
Folklore and Modern Recognition
Because of its vibrant coloration and mysterious appearance in remote forests, it's occasionally mentioned in local folklore as one of the 'forbidden mushrooms' — those that should be admired and left untouched. In itself, it serves as a visual icon of the caution needed when foraging for wild fungi, especially within the mysterious and capricious Cortinarius genus.
Where Does Banded Red-gilled Webcap Typically Grow?
Natural Habitat and Geographic Distribution
Cortinarius semisanguineus thrives in coniferous forest ecosystems, predominantly under spruce and pine trees. It forms ectomycorrhizal associations with tree roots, facilitating nutrient exchange that is beneficial to both the fungus and the host trees. This species typically prefers acidic soil environments and can often be found growing in moss-covered forest floors, sometimes in large groups or scattered formations.
Geographic Range
The mushroom is widespread across northern and central Europe and is frequently encountered in countries like Sweden, Norway, Germany, the UK, and the Baltic region. In North America, sightings are more sporadic but confirmed, mainly in coniferous regions of Canada and the northern United States. The species favors mid-to-late-stage successional woodlands, especially those that have remained relatively undisturbed.
Ecological Requirements
Forest health and minimal disturbance in soil composition are crucial for its sustainability. Thus, it's commonly seen in old-growth forests or selectively logged areas where the integrity of the mycorrhizal web remains intact. While occasional sightings report it near deciduous trees, its prevalence is overwhelmingly under conifers.
When is Banded Red-gilled Webcap in Season?
Late Summer – Fall
Is Banded Red-gilled Webcap Edible or Toxic?
Toxicological Concerns:
Toxicological Concerns and Relation to Deadly Cortinarius Species
The primary concern with Cortinarius semisanguineus lies not in its direct toxicity—there are currently no confirmed reports of severe poisoning from consuming this species—but in its close resemblance to confirmed toxic Cortinarius species such as C. orellanus and C. rubellus. These mushrooms contain orellanine, a compound that can cause irreversible kidney damage with a delayed onset of symptoms, sometimes only manifesting several days post-ingestion.
High-Risk Category
Given that macroscopic differentiation between safe and unsafe Cortinarius species is difficult even for seasoned foragers, experts uniformly advise against consuming any mushroom from this genus without expert-level confirmation. Factors like cap color, spore print, gill hue, and cortina residue can vary depending on maturity and environmental growth conditions, further complicating identification.
Safety Recommendation
While C. semisanguineus itself has not been proven toxic nor deemed hallucinogenic, its lack of edibility and potential for misidentification with deadly lookalikes puts it in the high-risk category from a toxicological standpoint. Consequently, all literature regarding wild mushroom safety advises strict avoidance of this species unless studied under a controlled, non-consumptive setting.
Precautions and Interactions
No Known Interactions — But Caution Advised
There are no documented drug interactions involving Cortinarius semisanguineus because it is not used medicinally or consumed. However, because of the genus's toxic reputation, all members including C. semisanguineus should be treated with caution to avoid ingestion that could result in unforeseen complications.
Given that other Cortinarius species contain nephrotoxins like orellanine, theoretical interactions could occur with nephrotoxic or hepatotoxic medications (e.g., NSAIDs, certain antibiotics, chemotherapy agents), compounding their effects. However, since this mushroom is not ingested therapeutically or recreationally, such interactions remain speculative rather than empirical.
General Warning
It is crucial to reiterate that any mushroom not thoroughly understood from a toxicology and pharmacology standpoint should never be combined with medication. This is especially relevant for experimental or alternative health enthusiasts who may be tempted to consume unknown or 'wild-crafted' mushrooms without proper evaluation.
What Mushrooms Look Like Banded Red-gilled Webcap?
Similar Species and How to Tell Them Apart
Cortinarius semisanguineus is easily confused with several other members within the Cortinarius genus, many of which are toxic. Accurate identification is critical because even small morphologic differences may denote a mushroom with fatal potential.
- Cortinarius rubellus (Deadly Webcap): This highly toxic species contains orellanine and can cause fatal kidney failure. It has a more uniformly reddish-orange to brown cap and lacks the deep blood-red gills seen in C. semisanguineus. Additionally, its stem tends to be more robust and often solid throughout.
- Cortinarius orellanus (Fool's Webcap): Another deadly species with similar coloration but more orange-brown tones throughout. The gills are not as vividly red, and its cap texture is often smoother and less fibrous.
- Cortinarius sanguineus (Blood Red Webcap): Very similar in appearance, but this species is uniformly red throughout — cap, gills, and stem. C. semisanguineus can be distinguished by its more olive or ochre cap contrasting with blood-red gills below.
Understanding these subtle differences can require microscopy and knowledge of spore morphology, gill attachment, and habitat observation. Because of this, these mushrooms are not recommended for non-expert handling beyond identification purposes.
Safety Note: Always use proper identification methods and consult expert mycologists when foraging. Misidentification can have serious health consequences, especially with Cortinarius species.
Commercial Products
No commercial products are available for Cortinarius semisanguineus due to its non-edible status and inability to be cultivated commercially.
Community Discussions About Banded Red-gilled Webcap
Disclaimer: This information is for educational and identification purposes only. Never consume wild mushrooms without expert identification. Cortinarius species are particularly dangerous due to toxic lookalikes. Always consult with qualified mycologists and healthcare professionals. Foraging and consumption of wild mushrooms carries inherent risks.