The Deceiver Mushroom Laccaria laccata

The Deceiver Mushroom

Laccaria laccata

10 cc/ml liquid fungi mycology culture syringe with a sterile needle.

The Deceiver Mushroom Laccaria laccata, widespread mycorrhizal fungus for cultivation, education, and forest ecosystems

Laccaria laccata, commonly known as the deceiver mushroom, is a widely distributed and adaptable species found in forests throughout North America, Europe, and beyond. This edible mushroom earns its name from its variable appearance, often changing color and texture depending on weather and age, which can make it challenging to identify in the wild. Despite its elusive nature, Laccaria laccata is a well-known mycorrhizal fungus that forms beneficial relationships with trees and plays an important role in forest health.

The deceiver mushroom features a small, reddish to brown cap with pale to purple gills and a slender stem. It typically appears in mixed woodlands, especially in association with conifers and hardwoods. While it is considered a modest edible species, its ecological importance and cultivation potential make it valuable for mycology education, forest restoration projects, and biodiversity gardens.

Key features:

• Species: Laccaria laccata, commonly called the deceiver mushroom

• Type: Liquid mushroom culture in sterile nutrient solution

• Ideal for: Forest garden cultivation, soil biodiversity enhancement, mycorrhizal research, outdoor mushroom education

• Growth conditions: Grows in symbiosis with trees, thrives in shaded woodland environments with moist soil

• Culinary value: Edible when properly identified and cooked, with a mild earthy flavor

Why grow Laccaria laccata:

• Widespread and resilient species suitable for temperate climates

• Supports tree health through mycorrhizal associations

• Adds diversity to woodland mushroom gardens and restoration projects

• Great for mushroom identification training and naturalist programs

• Can be introduced into rewilding efforts, native habitat plantings, or soil ecology studies

How to use:
Inoculate sterilized grain with the deceiver mushroom liquid culture. Once colonized, apply the grain spawn to the base of compatible trees in a woodland or shaded outdoor area. Best results are seen when paired with native or established trees in moist, undisturbed soil. Laccaria laccata may take time to establish, but once present, it can become a naturalized part of the forest floor and fruit seasonally under the right conditions.

Laccaria laccata the deceiver mushroom is an excellent species for ecological gardeners, mushroom educators, and forest stewards looking to promote fungal diversity and soil health. Whether for identification purposes, woodland integration, or educational use, this adaptable species brings subtle beauty and ecological value to any landscape.

*international orders will not include needle.

*instructions are not included, please thoroughly research growing conditions and techniques.