Western Amethyst Laccaria
Frequently encountered in the fall under conifers in the PNW, this fungus can be intensely purple when fresh, but quickly fades to buff unless in deep shade. The caps and stipe and gill are all purple, with lilac to purplish mycelium at the base. The pileus can measure 6cm across and the stipes can be up to 12 cm. The caps are initially convex, but may become uplifted in age or flat. The stipes are tough, grooved or twisted, and may have scales and striations. The gills are subdistant and may be attached or slightly decurrent. It grows gregariously or scattered under conifers, with which it is mycorrhizal. The spores are white. It is edible and chewy but bland.