Russula betularum

Description

Russula betularum is a small, very pale member of the Russula (brittlegills) genus of mushrooms. It is usually white to very pale pink and grows with birch trees. Associated with hardwoods, particularly birch. It is a European species that has been confirmed by DNA analysis to also exist here in the northeast of North America. Russula betularum appears in summer and early autumn.

The specific epithet betularum "of the birches", refers to its association with birch (Betula species). Some sources regard it as a variety of the sickener (R. emetica).

This mushroom is inedible and has a hot 'peppery' taste. Many bitter-tasting red-capped species can cause problems if eaten raw; the symptoms are mainly gastrointestinal: diarrhea, vomiting, and colicky abdominal cramps. The active agent has not been identified but is thought to be sesquiterpenes, which have been isolated from the related genus Lactarius and Russula sardonia.

Common names: Birch Brittlegill.

Mushroom Identification

1. Cap

   The cap is smooth, white to very pale pink. The cuticle can easily be removed completely.

2. Gills

   The gills white to slightly cream and have somewhat serrated edges.

3. Stem

   The stem is white and brittle.

4. Flesh

   The flesh white, very fragile and has a somewhat fruity or honeylike odor.

5. Taste

   The taste is stinging hot.

6. Spores

   White.

Photo sources:

Photo 1 - Author: Eric Steinert (CC BY-SA 2.5)

Photo 2 - Author: Eric Steinert (CC BY-SA 2.5)

Photo 3 - Author: Eric Steinert (CC BY-SA 2.5)