About Paxillus cuprinus Jargeat, Gryta, J.-P.Chaumeton & Vizzini
Paxillus cuprinus has a coppery-colored cap that starts convex and becomes flat as it matures. The cap is 3 to 10 centimeters in diameter, has a depression at its center, and an inrolled margin. Its stipe measures about 3 to 7 centimeters long and 1.5 to 2.5 centimeters wide. Its gills may be either adnate or decurrent, and it produces a brownish spore print. It is similar in appearance to Paxillus involutus; however, Paxillus cuprinus is rare in the Pacific Northwest and smaller in size than Paxillus involutus. Paxillus cuprinus grows under birch trees, and can be found in both forested areas and urban environments. This species is poisonous, and it contains a toxin that prompts the immune system to attack the body’s own red blood cells.
