Species details

Entire russula

Russula integra

Conditional / expert preparation
Entire russula – Russula integra

Photo: Holger Krisp · CC BY 3.0 · Photo source · License

Description

A large Russula with a leathery brownish cap, thick ochre-yellow gills, and a white stem.

Identification features

The cap is 6–15 cm wide, moist and shiny, brownish with possible purple, wine-red, or olive tones. Gills become ochre-yellow. The stem remains white to slightly ochre.

Identification checklist

Check the large robust fruitbody, thick ochre gills, yellow spore print, white non-reddish stem, and mild flesh.

Detailed features

Cap
The cap is 6–15 cm wide, moist and shiny, brownish with possible purple, wine-red, or olive tones.
Hymenophore
Gills become ochre-yellow.
Stem
The stem remains white to slightly ochre.
Smell
No distinctive smell.
Spore print
Yellow.

Size

Cap diameter
6–15 cm
Stem height
4–8 cm
Stem diameter
1,5–3 cm

Habitat

Mycorrhizal with conifers, often in upland woodland, from early summer to autumn.

Fruiting period

June, July, August, September, October

Ecology

Trophic mode
Mycorrhizal
Host trees
Spruce (Picea), Fir (Abies)
Substrate
Forest soil
Notes
Mycorrhizal with conifers, often in upland woodland, from early summer to autumn.

How to separate similar species

Russula olivacea can be very similar and is also problematic when raw. Cap colour is variable in both.

Similar species

Interesting facts

Did you know? Check the large robust fruitbody, thick ochre gills, yellow spore print, white non-reddish stem, and mild flesh.

Extended-description sources