Wine Caps are a common edible mushroom, often found in growing in the mulch beds of gardens, and even in public flower beds in parks. They thrive on a combination of wood chips, compost and soil. The cap begins as a dark burgundy color which fades as it ages, and can even become a goldish brown when kissed by the sun. They are often times very very large. Their other common name is the “Garden Giant”. but may also be quite small if conditions are not optimal. In name Rugosoannulata, Rugoso means wrinkled or folded, and annulata refers to the annulus (the ring or skirt on the stem). In looking at the photos below, you can see this folded or rippled appearance of the ring. Many refer to it as being like a cogwheel or gear. The stem is tapered, but has no volva at the base like some Amanita species do. The gills will be a purplish gray color, and the spore print will be purple to purple-black. There are some toxic stropharia species, but when considering all of the above, along with their considerable size. It should be relatively easy to identify them if you pay careful attention to all the details (which is a necessary practice in mushroom hunting to begin with). As you have most likely already heard, and seems like common sense, always be 100% sure you know what you’re eating, and consult multiple sources prior to consuming anything.
