Conservation Status: Not of concern
Edibility: It is too tough and bitter to be edible.
It is too tough and bitter to be edible.
L. gentianeus (= L. amarus (Albertini & Schweinitz: Fries) Kühner) is a commoner species in the PNW, with a dull brownish cap, white gills and stipe, and intensely bitter taste. The mycelial mat formed by the vegetative body of the fungus is particularly well developed and easy to observe when the mushrooms are collected. This characteristic, along with the dry cap, white gills that do not develop red spots in age, and very bitter taste distinguish L. gentianeus from the brown-capped tricholomas.
PNW Herbaria: Specimen records of Leucopaxillus gentianeus in the Consortium of Pacific Northwest Herbaria database.
CalPhotos: Leucopaxillus gentianeus photos.
