# 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.

- **Category:** [Fungi](https://www.snappit.app/explore/categories/fungi)
- **Rarity:** Common
- **Danger:** 3/5 · Moderate
- **Snaps:** 1
- **Habitat:** Forests
- **Also known as:** Brittle Caps, Brittle Gills

![Russula](https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?title=Special:Redirect/file/Mushroom-IMG_3300.JPG&width=800)

Photo: Dohduhdah, Public domain · [Wikimedia Commons](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Mushroom-IMG_3300.JPG)

## 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.

## Taxonomy

- **Kingdom:** Fungi
- **Phylum:** Basidiomycota
- **Class:** Agaricomycetes
- **Order:** Agaricales
- **Family:** Mycenaceae
- **Genus:** Russula

## 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

- **Tree Friend:** Russula can share nutrients with trees because its roots form a special underground bond.
- **Snap Stalk:** Russula has a chalky stem that snaps cleanly, helping experts identify them easily.
- **Color Show:** Russula has bright, varied cap colors that help it attract animals to spread its spores.

## Measurements & details

- **Height:** 4-15 cm
- **Edible:** inedible
- **Size:** 3-15 cm
- **Growth Substrate:** soil
- **Season:** Summer to Fall
- **Spore Color:** White to Creamy Yellow

## Ecological connections

- **Symbiotic with:** [English Oak](https://www.snappit.app/explore/english-oak) (*Quercus robur*) — shares nutrients with their roots
- **Symbiotic with:** [European Beech](https://www.snappit.app/explore/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](https://www.snappit.app/explore/roe-deer) (*Capreolus capreolus*) — a food source for deer in the woods

## Traits

- [Mycorrhizal](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/mycorrhizal): This trait describes a symbiotic relationship between a fungus and the roots of a plant, benefiting both organisms.
- [Spore Producing](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/spore-producing): Spore-producing organisms reproduce by releasing small, often single-celled, reproductive units called spores.
- [Edible Mushroom](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/edible-mushroom): This trait refers to fungal species that are safe for human consumption when properly identified and prepared.
- [Forest](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/forest): Forest habitats are terrestrial environments dominated by dense tree cover, supporting a high diversity of plant and animal life.

## Collections

- [Fungi](https://www.snappit.app/explore/collections/fungi)

## Safety

**Danger:** 3/5 · Moderate

Never eat any mushroom unless an adult who knows about mushrooms says it's safe.

## Frequently Asked Questions

### How to identify Russula?

Compare the cap shape, the underside, the stem and base, and whether the fungus grows on wood or soil. Some fungi have gills, others pores or teeth. A cap seen only from above often hides the most useful features. Mushroom Identifier: upload a photo and compare the visible details.

### 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

## Where to spot

- [Verbena](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/verbena) — Alabama, US · Neighborhood

## More Fungi

- [Field Mushroom](https://www.snappit.app/explore/field-mushroom) (*Agaricus*)
- [Button Mushroom](https://www.snappit.app/explore/button-mushroom) (*Agaricus*)
- [Portobello Mushroom](https://www.snappit.app/explore/portobello-mushroom) (*Agaricus*)
- [Shiitake](https://www.snappit.app/explore/shiitake) (*Lentinula*)

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Source: [Russula: Characteristics, Facts & Places to See — Snappit](https://www.snappit.app/explore/russula)