Scurfy Deceiver - Laccaria proxima

Cap 2 to 8 cm in diameter, initially convex and become flat-topped at maturity, often with a depressed centre and a down-turned rim; the cap surface is very distinctly scurfy (scaly), particularly so towards the centre. During wet weather young caps of Laccaria proxima are deep tan or reddish-brown, but during dry spells the caps become much paler buff and eventually almost white.

Most common in areas where the soil is acidic, in broadleaf and coniferous woodland and on heathland.

June to November.

All Laccaria species are ectomycorrhizal fungi, forming symbiotic relationships with forest trees or ericaceous plants.

Widely distributed across Britain.

Status in Leicestershire and Rutland not known.