Species details

Pinkmottle woodwax

Hygrophorus russula

Traditionally edible
Pinkmottle woodwax – Hygrophorus russula

Photo: GLJIVARSKO DRUSTVO NIS from Serbia · CC BY 2.0 · Photo source · License

Description

A large fleshy woodwax with wine-red mottling on a pale cap, thick spaced gills, and a stout stem.

Identification features

The cap is thick-fleshed, pale and wine-red mottled. Gills are thick, spaced, and attached. The stem is whitish, often reddish spotted, and the flesh may redden slightly.

Identification checklist

Check the large robust fruitbody, very thick spaced gills, and wine-red mottling on cap and stem.

How to separate similar species

Hygrophorus erubescens is smaller, more bitter, and often yellows. Similar Tricholoma usually have thinner and more crowded gills.

Habitat

Mycorrhizal mainly with broadleaved trees, especially oak and chestnut, in autumn.

Fruiting period

September, October, November

Similar species

Extended-description sources