Description

The cap of this mushroom can grow from 3 to 6 centimeters wide, it usually has a convex shape, and is mostly red colored. The stipe is white and is a bit wider at the bottom; it becomes yellow when older. The gills are not very densely packed; they are white when young. The spore print of this species is also white.

Chemical reactions

The flesh reacts with formol, thereby creating a pink coloration.

Habitat

This species grows on various types of habitat, usually near oaks, chestnuts and beeches. It also grows on relatively dry terrains. This mushroom has been found throughout Europe, North America, Asia and northern Africa.

Season

Russula emetica grows from June to October.

Edibility

One could say that this species is poisonous. It has a very peppery and foul taste. Because of that, ingestion of dangerous amounts of this mushroom is relatively rare.

Similar species

This species could eventually be confused with other similar species from the Russula genus. Some of them have red caps, but are edible. However, one can easily distinguish them due to the very peppery taste of Russula emetica.