Amethyst Deceiver: Identification, Lookalikes, and Edibility

Finding the amethyst deceiver (Laccaria amethystina "complex") when it is young and bright purple is a treat. Unfortunately, it doesn't stay that vivid color as it gets older and is often overlooked because it is rather pale and bland-looking. Seeing a young one and an old one side by side, it is hard to believe they are the same mushroom.