Phlegmacium variosimile

The convex to umbonate cap of Phlegmacium variosimile is slimy when wet and yellowish brown to ochre brown in color. It is about 5-12 centimeters in diameter.^[2] The gills start out lilac and become brown as the mushroom gets older.^[3] The stipe is white in color and sometimes discolors tannish in older specimens. It is about 4-15 centimeters long and 1.5-4 centimeters wide. A cortina is present and the spore print is rusty brown. When potassium hydroxide is applied, the mushroom turns yellow.^[2]

Cortinarius varius is similar to Phlegmacium variosimile. However, it is found in Europe and is less pale in color. C. varius also has a stronger reaction with potassium hydroxide, creating a chrome yellow color.^[3] Several other species are similar to P. variosimile and difficult to distinguish.^[2]

Phlegmacium variosimile is found in the eastern parts of the Cascades, where it grows under conifers. It seems to be more common under fir.^[2]