Goat Moth Mushroom (Cortinarius camphoratus)
Cortinarius camphoratus
Visual Identification
What is Goat Moth Mushroom? A Complete Overview
Physical Characteristics
Cortinarius camphoratus, commonly known as the Goat Moth Mushroom or Camphor Fungus, is a large and visually striking mushroom easily recognized by its distinctive violet to purplish cap and stem. The cap tends to be convex when young, potentially flattening with age, and can range from 5–15 cm in diameter. Its fleshy cap often exhibits darker streaks and may appear slightly sticky in moist conditions. The surface is covered with fine appressed fibrils, and it often develops a wavy margin.
The gills of C. camphoratus are adnate to notched and exhibit a lilac to rusty brown color as they age and release spores. The spore print itself is rusty-brown, a hallmark characteristic of the Cortinarius genus. The stem is firm, bulbous at the base, and matches the cap in color—usually lilac fading to ochre or brownish towards the base. A partial veil (cortina) often leaves rusty brown fibers between the cap and stem in younger specimens, adding to its unmistakable look.
Identifying Traits
One of the most distinguishing characteristics of Cortinarius camphoratus is its strong odor, which is often compared to goat cheese, rotting flesh, camphor, or urine—hence the common name. This pungent smell is a primary identifier during field observations, as few other mushrooms possess such a distinct scent. Additionally, this species should be noted for its habitat in coniferous woods and its symbiotic (ectomycorrhizal) relationship with certain tree species, particularly spruce.
The flesh inside is lavender-hued and thick, often discoloring to a brownish shade upon being bruised or sliced. Its unique coloration and potent smell make it one of the more recognizable species within its genus, even to amateur mycologists.
Taxonomic Classification
Historical and Cultural Significance of Goat Moth Mushroom
Ethnomycological Background
Cortinarius camphoratus has limited direct historical significance or cultural symbolism across known human societies. Unlike other well-known mushrooms such as Amanita muscaria in shamanic traditions or Reishi in Eastern medicine, C. camphoratus appears in the ethnomycological record chiefly for taxonomic, ecological, and aesthetic discussions among naturalists and mycologists.
Symbolism in Modern Fungal Enthusiast Circles
In contemporary times, this mushroom holds cultural relevance largely within the mycological communities of Europe and North America. Its striking coloration and odor have made it a favorite among mushroom photographers and field educators. The unique smell and its association with animals (goat cheese, moths) often spark humorous or memorable learning moments during mushroom walks or training courses.
Due to its difficulties in classification and toxic relatives, it serves as an exemplar species in cautionary foraging tales—underscoring the importance of exact identification. The distinctive scent has also earned it mentions in books and blogs highlighting "Weird Smelling Fungi," adding to its cultural niche as a fungal oddity.
Where Does Goat Moth Mushroom Typically Grow?
Habitat Preferences
Cortinarius camphoratus is a mycorrhizal species that typically grows in symbiotic association with coniferous trees, particularly spruce (Picea spp.) and occasionally fir and pine. It thrives in forest ecosystems that provide acidic, well-drained soils rich in organic matter. The mushroom supports forest health by enhancing nutrient uptake in its host trees while receiving carbohydrates from photosynthesis.
This species commonly appears in temperate to boreal forest zones of North America and Europe, where it prefers mature, undisturbed coniferous woodlands. It is especially common in mountainous regions or valleys with sufficient shade and high acidity in the substrate. The dense needle-littered floor offers the ideal decomposing organic material needed for its mycorrhizal network.
Geographic Spread
In North America, Cortinarius camphoratus has been reported across the Pacific Northwest—including Washington, Oregon, and British Columbia—into parts of the Rocky Mountains and Appalachian ranges. In Europe, it is widely found from Scandinavia down to parts of Central Europe, particularly in countries like Finland, Germany, France, and the UK.
It tends to be less common in heavily disturbed woodlands or mixed broadleaf forests, though rare occurrences have been documented in such environments. Favoring a relatively narrow ecological niche, the presence of this mushroom can often be used as an indicator of healthy, undisturbed conifer ecosystems.
When is Goat Moth Mushroom in Season?
Late Summer – Fall
Is Goat Moth Mushroom Edible or Toxic?
Safety Information:
Toxicity and Risk Factors
While Cortinarius camphoratus itself is not definitively classified as toxic, extreme caution is advised when dealing with this or any closely related species. The Cortinarius genus contains many mushrooms with known toxicity, the most notorious being Cortinarius orellanus and Cortinarius rubellus. These species produce orellanine, a nephrotoxic compound that causes delayed and irreversible kidney damage, sometimes leading to death if untreated.
Cortinarius camphoratus lacks direct evidence of poisoning documented in humans. However, due to its unpleasant odor, bitter taste, and overall lack of palatability, it is rarely ingested intentionally. Its potential for confusion with toxic relatives presents a much larger risk factor. Given that mushroom enthusiasts must often work across dozens of similar-looking brown and purple Cortinarius species, even experts can struggle with exact identification in field conditions.
Symptoms of Ingestion (in General Cortinarius Toxicity)
In cases where toxic Cortinarius species are ingested, initial symptoms may not appear for 2–3 days and may include nausea, abdominal pain, vomiting, later progressing to excessive thirst, frequent urination, back pain, and eventually renal failure. Due to this delayed onset, medical attention is frequently delayed, and the effects may be irreversible.
As a result, the official guidance from mycologists and poison control centers is to avoid all consumption of wild Cortinarius mushrooms unless positively identified by an expert mycologist under lab conditions. They strongly discourage any amateur foraging or experimental uses involving Cortinarius camphoratus.
Precautions and Interactions
Known Drug Interactions: None Confirmed
There are currently no known drug interactions for Cortinarius camphoratus in scientific or pharmacological literature. Due to its classification as an inedible or unknown-edibility species and its lack of medicinal usage, it has not undergone any clinical testing involving interaction with pharmaceuticals.
That said, caution is still warranted. Given the potential toxicity of some Cortinarius species due to orellanine, inadvertent ingestion of misidentified or contaminated mushrooms could pose serious health risks. These risks include nephrotoxicity, which—if interacted with medications affecting the liver or kidneys—could potentially exacerbate adverse reactions.
Until more is known, individuals should avoid experimenting with this mushroom for therapeutic or supplementation purposes, especially if undergoing any form of treatment or medication that targets renal function, immune modulation, or hormone regulation.
What Mushrooms Look Like Goat Moth Mushroom?
Common Species Mistaken for Cortinarius camphoratus
Mushroom identification is a delicate process, and Cortinarius camphoratus is no exception. It can easily be mistaken for several other purple to brown Cortinarius species, some of which are harmful or toxic. The strong odor can be a useful distinguishing factor, but not always reliable in the field.
- Cortinarius violaceus: This species has a similar violet coloration but can be distinguished by its larger size, warts on the cap, and lack of strong odor. C. violaceus also has a more velvety to scaly appearance on the cap and is considered rare but edible (though still not widely consumed).
- Cortinarius traganus: Closely related and often confused with C. camphoratus. It also features purplish hues and emits a similarly unpleasant smell, though often described as more fruity or intensely nauseating. The key differences are in spore morphology and more prominent veil remnants on the stem.
- Cortinarius cinnamomeus: This lookalike sports brownish-orange hues and smaller size, but in certain light, it may resemble an aging C. camphoratus. Unlike C. camphoratus, this species lacks any strong odor and often grows in wetter conditions such as boggy moss areas.
When trying to differentiate between these mushrooms, it is critical to examine spore prints, reference high-resolution images, and—if possible—use molecular or microscopic identification tools. Amateur mushroom foragers should avoid the genus entirely unless working with a trained mycologist.
Safety Note: Always use proper identification methods and consult expert mycologists when foraging. Misidentification can have serious health consequences.
Disclaimer: This information is for educational and identification purposes only. Never consume wild mushrooms without expert identification. Always consult with qualified mycologists and healthcare professionals. Foraging and consumption of wild mushrooms carries inherent risks.