Powdery Brittlegill

Habitat

This species is found on soil in broad-leaved or deciduous woodlands, showing a preference for oak, beech, and lime. It also occurs in association with pine trees. It is common to find them growing in groups or trooping formations.

Photos

Appearance

Cap

3–8cm across, convex then flattening with a depressed center; colors range from grayish and olive to violet-grey or chestnut, often with dull green or wine tints; surface is fleshy, slightly sticky when wet but matte and powdery or velvety when dry; cuticle peels one-half to three-quarters toward the center.

Stem

3–7cm long, 7–20mm thick, white, and fairly stout; shape is mostly equal or slightly tapering upward; may show rusty red spots at the base.

Gills

Crowded and adnexed, frequently forked; initially white or whitish before maturing to a pale buff color.

Flesh

White, firm, and brittle; features a mild smell and a taste that ranges from mild to slightly hot.

Spore print

Pale cream to cream.

Edibility

The flesh and gills of this mushroom have a mild or slightly spicy flavor. It is visually similar to the edible Russula medullata, but caution is required to avoid confusion with the deadly Deathcap mushroom. Some specimens may exhibit rust-red spotting at the base of the stem.

Nutrient Source

It forms a symbiotic relationship with trees, exchanging nutrients and minerals with the tree's root system.

Common Names

Basque

gibelberde iluna

Danish

Blågrå skørhat

Dutch

Berijpte russula

English

Powdery Brittlegill

Finnish

patinahapero

French

Russule à sporée ocre, Russule bleu-vert

German

Blaugrüner Reif-Täubling

Norwegian Bokmål

blågrønn kremle

Norwegian Nynorsk

blågrøn kremle

Spanish

rúsula verde oscura, rúsula similar a la azurea

Swedish

blågrön kremla

Welsh

Tegyll Brau Blodiog

Synonyms

• Russula ochrospora