Russulas (brittle-gills)

Around 750 worldwide species of ectomycorrhizal mushrooms compose the genus Russula. They are typically common, fairly large, and brightly colored – making them one of the most recognizable genera among mycologists and mushroom collectors. Their distinguishing characteristics include usually brightly coloured caps, a white to dark yellow spore print, brittle, attached gills, an absence of latex, and absence of partial veil or volva tissue on the stem. Microscopically, the genus is characterised by the amyloid ornamented spores and flesh (trama) composed of spherocysts. Members of the related genus Lactarius have similar characteristics but emit a milky latex when their gills are broken.

This Section, for convenience of keying, is divided into eight groups based on the color of the cap. To the extent that some species have variable cap colors that will key out in different groups, there will be multiple entries of the same species.

Group 100 – Cap white or cream.

Group 200 – Cap yellow or orange.

Group 300 – Cap red, orange-red, pinkish-red, brownish- or blackish-red.

Group 400 – Cap red-violet, violet, purple, reddish- or brownish-purple.

Group 500 – Cap bluish, blue-gray, gray.

Group 600 – Cap green, yellow-green, olive-green.

Group 700 – Cap tan, yellow-brown, brown, pink-brown, red-brown, soot-brown.

Group 800 – Cap of mixed colors.