What is tricholoma columbetta?

Tricholoma columbetta, also known as the blue edge mushroom or the bitter knight, is a saprotrophic mushroom that belongs to the family Tricholomataceae. It is widely distributed in temperate regions of Europe, Asia, and North America, where it typically grows in coniferous and mixed forests during the late summer and fall months.

The fruit body of Tricholoma columbetta is medium-sized, with a cap diameter ranging from 3-14cm. The cap is convex to flattened, with a blue-grey or green-grey color when young and becoming paler with age. The margin of the cap is typically lined with blue or violet coloring. The gills of the mushroom are white, becoming cream-colored as the mushroom ages, and are widely spaced and free from the stem. The stem is typically 6-12cm in length and 0.5-1.5cm in diameter, with a whitish to greyish color and a fibrous texture.

Tricholoma columbetta is not widely consumed as a food mushroom due to its bitter taste and potential toxicity. There have been reports of gastrointestinal symptoms, such as nausea and vomiting, associated with its consumption. The mushroom contains several bioactive compounds, including tricholomines and tricholomacins, which may be responsible for its potential toxicity.

Overall, Tricholoma columbetta is an interesting and distinctive mushroom that should be admired for its unique appearance and ecological role in the forest ecosystem.