Although Laccaria masoniae is an ectomycorrhizal species strongly associated with Nothofagus, it also behaves as an ammonia fungus, fruiting abundantly in sites enriched with nitrogen released from decomposing animal remains. In these situations the fungus responds to the localized spike in ammonium and alkaline conditions, producing dense clusters of basidiomes around carcasses or heavily decayed material. This behaviour is well documented in several Laccaria species worldwide, but in New Zealand it is L. masoniae that most consistently shows the phenomenon.