Russula
ExploreFungi
Russula
Russula
Russula is a type of mushroom found in forests. It has a colorful cap and gills underneath. Some Russula mushrooms are edible, but others are poisonous, so it's important to know which ones are safe to eat.
Habitat: Forests
Appearance
The Russula genus has a wide range of cap colors, from bright red and yellow to purple and green, often with a dry or slightly sticky surface. Its gills are typically brittle and its stem is white, often snapping cleanly like chalk, distinguishing it from many other mushrooms.
KingdomFungiPhylumBasidiomycotaClassAgaricomycetesOrderAgaricalesFamilyMycenaceaeGenusRussula
Category
FungiRarity
Common
Danger
3/5 · Moderate
Snaps
Be the first to snap!
Interesting facts
If you find a Russula, its stem will snap like chalk!
Some Russula taste super spicy, like a pepper!
They grow huge underground networks with tree roots!
Tiny animals and insects love munching on Russula!
Special abilities
Ability
Tree Friend
Russula can share nutrients with trees because its roots form a special underground bond.
Ability
Snap Stalk
Russula has a chalky stem that snaps cleanly, helping experts identify them easily.
Ability
Color Show
Russula has bright, varied cap colors that help it attract animals to spread its spores.
Measurements & details
- Height
- 4-15 cm
- Edibility
- inedible
- Cap Diameter
- 3-15 cm
- Growth Substrate
- soil
- Season
- Summer to Fall
- Spore Color
- White to Creamy Yellow
Ecological connections
symbiotic with
English Oak
Quercus robur
shares nutrients with their roots
symbiotic with
European Beech
Fagus sylvatica
forms vital underground partnerships
eaten by
Grey Squirrel
Sciurus carolinensis
provides a tasty meal for forest critters
eaten by
Roe Deer
Capreolus capreolus
a food source for deer in the woods
Traits
Mycorrhizal
This trait describes a symbiotic relationship between a fungus and the roots of a plant, benefiting both organisms.
Spore Producing
Spore-producing organisms reproduce by releasing small, often single-celled, reproductive units called spores.
Edible Mushroom
This trait refers to fungal species that are safe for human consumption when properly identified and prepared.
Forest
Forest habitats are terrestrial environments dominated by dense tree cover, supporting a high diversity of plant and animal life.
Also known as
Brittle CapsBrittle Gills
Collections
Safety
Danger
3/5 · Moderate
Never eat any mushroom unless an adult who knows about mushrooms says it's safe.
Frequently Asked Questions
How tall is Russula?
4-15 cm
Is Russula edible?
inedible
How big is Russula?
3-15 cm
Where is Russula usually found?
Forests
What does Russula grow on?
soil
When is Russula in season?
Summer to Fall
What color are Russula spores?
White to Creamy Yellow
Snap Map
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Recent Snaps
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Where to spot
Park24 sightings13 species
Ontario, CA
Algonquin Provincial Park
You might spot Moose, Brittlegills, and Canadian Bunchberry.
View guide →
Park33 sightings12 species
Pennsylvania, US
Cherry Springs State Park
You might spot Orange Hawkweed and Hickory Tussock Moth.
View guide →
Park17 sightings10 species
Tennessee, US
W.J. Freeman Park
You might spot Eurasian Collared-Dove and Honey Fungus.
View guide →
Park32 sightings9 species
Virginia, US
Backlick Stream Valley Park
You might spot Garlic Mustard, Violets, and Wineberry.
View guide →
Park56 sightings8 species
Virginia, US
Wolf Trails Park
You might spot Sawtooth Oak, Wineberry, and Blue Mistflower.
View guide →
Park40 sightings7 species
Virginia, US
McLean Hunt Park
You might spot American Toad, Eastern Box Turtle, and American Robin.
View guide →
