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Livid pinkgill (Entoloma sinuatum)
Eugene Popov · CC BY 4.0
Poisonous

Livid pinkgill

Entoloma sinuatum · Entolomataceae

The livid pinkgill is the largest member of the pink-spored genus Entoloma, with a big ivory to grey cap, a wavy edge and gills that turn from yellowish to pink.

FamilyEntolomataceae
SeasonAug–Dec
Spore printPink (reddish brown)
Cap width6–20 cm
Stem length4–20 cm
Records in Turkey4 records
CultivationWild only
StatusPoisonous

The livid pinkgill is the largest member of the pink-spored genus Entoloma, with a big ivory to grey cap, a wavy edge and gills that turn from yellowish to pink. It has been blamed for 10% of mushroom poisonings in Europe, causing severe gastrointestinal illness. Young specimens are mistaken for edible white mushrooms.

Also called: livid entoloma, lead poisoner Turkish: Kurşuni pembe lamelli

Livid pinkgill

How to recognise it

Livid pinkgill, part by part

No ring or volva Spore print: Pink (reddish brown) Mealy, often unpleasant or rancid smell.

Cap — Livid pinkgill
Cap6–20 cm (up to 30); convex to flat with a blunt boss and a wavy edge; ivory white to light grey-brown.
Gills — Livid pinkgill
GillsDistant, notched at the stem; yellowish first, then pink.
Stem — Livid pinkgill
StemWhite and stout, 4–20 cm; may be bulbous at the base.

When and where

Aug–Dec

  1. Jan
  2. Feb
  3. Mar
  4. Apr
  5. May
  6. Jun
  7. Jul
  8. Augin season
  9. Sepin season
  10. Octin season
  11. Novin season
  12. Decin season

The livid pinkgill fruits in late summer and autumn in Europe, continuing into the New Year in Mediterranean countries. In Turkey, GBIF records fall in November and January.

Where do livid pinkgills grow?

The livid pinkgill grows in broadleaf woods under oak, beech and less often birch, often on clay or chalky soil, and can spread into parks and grassland.

In Turkey

The livid pinkgill has been recorded in the Black Sea region and Adıyaman; a study in the eastern Black Sea region found the highest copper and zinc levels in this species.

  • İstanbul3
  • Kocaeli1

4 observations on our map (GBIF, iNaturalist). Record density also reflects where observers work.

Latest livid pinkgill observations

See on the map

In its habitat — Livid pinkgill
In its habitat
In its habitat — Livid pinkgill
In its habitat

Look-alikes

What is it mistaken for?

Edible species

The miller Clitopilus prunulus

Grey-white downy cap with decurrent white gills; this confusion is a common cause of poisoning in France.

Edible species

St George's mushroom Calocybe gambosa

Fruits in spring, with crowded cream gills and a strong mealy smell.

Livid pinkgill
Livid pinkgill
Button mushroom
Button mushroom
Edible species

Button mushroom Agaricus bisporus

Gills darken from pink to chocolate brown and there is a ring; the livid pinkgill has none.

Frequently asked questions

Are livid pinkgills poisonous?

Yes, the livid pinkgill is poisonous and must not be eaten. Symptoms start within 30 minutes to 2 hours with diarrhoea, vomiting and headache. Usually not life-threatening, but seek medical help: 112 / 114.

When is livid pinkgill season in Turkey?

In our calendar, livid pinkgill season runs Aug–Dec. The livid pinkgill fruits in late summer and autumn in Europe, continuing into the New Year in Mediterranean countries. In Turkey, GBIF records fall in November and January.

Where do livid pinkgills grow?

The livid pinkgill grows in broadleaf woods under oak, beech and less often birch, often on clay or chalky soil, and can spread into parks and grassland.

Where are livid pinkgills found in Turkey?

The livid pinkgill has been recorded in the Black Sea region and Adıyaman; a study in the eastern Black Sea region found the highest copper and zinc levels in this species.

What can the livid pinkgill be confused with?

The livid pinkgill can be confused with the miller (Clitopilus prunulus, edible species), st George's mushroom (Calocybe gambosa, edible species) and button mushroom (Agaricus bisporus, edible species). Look-alikes are compared on this page.

What is the livid pinkgill called in Turkish?

In Turkish, the livid pinkgill (Entoloma sinuatum) is called Kurşuni pembe lamelli.

Related species

All species → · Identify by photo →

Sources (3)
Photo credits (10)