Geranium Brittlegill

Habitat

Frequently found in broad-leaved woodlands, specifically in old beech forests. While it shows a strong preference for beech trees on acidic soil, it is also occasionally found with spruce or other tree species. It typically grows on soil in groups or troops.

Photos

Appearance

Cap

Measures 3–9 cm wide; transitions from convex to flat or slightly depressed, sometimes maintaining a broad central bump. The color ranges from straw and pale ochre to honey-yellow or buff. The surface is slightly sticky when moist, with a cuticle that only peels away at the edges. The margin may be smooth or slightly furrowed.

Stem

Measures 2–7 cm long and 1–2 cm thick; typically stout and cylindrical or slightly tapering upwards. It is firm and colored similarly to the cap, though often slightly paler.

Gills

Crowded and adnexed; pale straw, yellow, or ochre in color.

Flesh

White, thick, and brittle. It has a very hot, acrid, or bitter taste and a distinct scent resembling geraniums or stewed apples.

Spore print

White to pale cream.

Edibility

This mushroom has a very hot, bitter, and acrid taste with a scent often compared to geraniums or stewed apples. While its toxicity is disputed, it is generally considered inedible due to its flavor and potential for being slightly poisonous. It can be visually distinguished from other similar yellow brittlegills by its specific geranium-like odor.

Nutrient Source

It forms a mutually beneficial relationship with trees, exchanging nutrients from the soil for sugars produced by the tree.

Common Names

Basque

Gibelokre konpotausain, gilbelokre konpotausaina

Danish

Galde-skørhat

Dutch

Beukenrussula, Beukerussula

English

Geranium-Scented Russula, Geranium Brittlegill

French

Russule de fiel

German

Gallentäubling

Norwegian Bokmål

bøkekremle

Norwegian Nynorsk

bøkekremle

Spanish

Russula de hiel, rúsula de hiel

Swedish

gallkremla

Welsh

Tegyll Brau Chwerw

Synonyms

• Agaricus felleus