Cortinariaceae

English: Webcap family
Dutch: Gordijnzwamfamilie

The Cortinariaceae is a large family of gilled mushrooms comprising about 14 genera and 2,300+ species. They are distributed worldwide and form ectomycorrhizal relationships with trees. The family includes the enormous genus Cortinarius, which is notoriously difficult to identify to species level.

Key Identifying Features

• Cortina: Cobweb-like partial veil connecting cap margin to stem when young
• Gills: Typically attached to stem, often becoming rusty brown from spores
• Spore print: Rusty brown to ochre-brown
• Colors: Highly variable, from brown to purple to yellow
• Mycorrhizal: Associated with specific trees
• Caution: Some species are deadly poisonous (e.g., C. rubellus)

Parent: Fungi