Paxillus cuprinus

Paxillus cuprinus
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Fungi
Division: Basidiomycota
Class: Agaricomycetes
Order: Boletales
Family: Paxillaceae
Genus: Paxillus
Species:
P. cuprinus
Binomial name
Paxillus cuprinus
P. Jargeat, H. Gryta, J.P. Chaumeton & Vizzini

Paxillus cuprinus, commonly known as the coppery pax, is a species of mushroom in the family Paxillaceae. It is found in the Pacific Northwest.[1]

Description

The cap of Paxillus cuprinus is coppery in color.[2] It starts out convex, before becoming flat. It is between 3 and 10 centimeters in diameter. The center of the cap has a dip, and the margin is inrolled. The stipe is about 3-7 centimeters long and 1.5-2.5 centimeters wide. The gills can be adnate or decurrent, and the spore print is brownish.[1] Paxillus involutus is similar.[3] However, it is rare in the Pacific Northwest, and smaller in size.[1]

Habitat and ecology

Paxillus cuprinus is found under birch trees in both forests and cities.[2]

Toxicity

Paxillus cuprinus is poisonous, and contains a toxin that causes the immune system to target red blood cells.[1]

Paxillus cuprinus
Mycological characteristics
Gills on hymenium
Cap is convex or flat
Hymenium is adnate or decurrent
Stipe is bare
Spore print is ochre to reddish-brown
Ecology is mycorrhizal
Edibility is poisonous

References

  1. ^ a b c d Siegel, Noah; Schwarz, Christian (September 1, 2024). Mushrooms of Cascadia: A Comprehensive Guide to Fungi of the Pacific Northwest. Humboldt County, CA: Backcountry Press. p. 126. ISBN 9781941624197.
  2. ^ a b Trudell, Steve (October 25, 2022). Mushrooms of the Pacific Northwest (Revised ed.). Portland, OR: Timber Press. pp. 218–219. ISBN 9781643260860.
  3. ^ "Paxillus involutus – Mushrooms Up! Edible and Poisonous Species of Coastal BC and the Pacific Northwest". explore.beatymuseum.ubc.ca. Retrieved 2025-10-12.