Cortinarius varius  (Schaeff.) Fr. (1838)                                           *Collections: Europe and PNW

This is one of the more frequently encountered and picturesque Cortinarii from Spruce (Picea) forests. The clavate stipe without a marginated bulb sets it apart from similarly colored species in Section Calochroi. The thick cottony layer and distinct annular zone in young material are very typical features too. This medium sized species can fruit in great abundance at times -- I have seen hundreds of fruitbodies on the forest floor later in the season in a montane area in Europe.

Pacific Northwest Collection -- Oregon, Photo Debbie Viess.

Spores: 10.5-12.7 x 5.2-7µ KOH5%: yellow on the context, reddish on the cap