Species details

Shrimp russula

Russula xerampelina

Conditional / expert preparation

Description

A reddish to purplish brittlegill that often develops a fishy or shrimp-like smell with age.

Identification features

The stem may be pink-flushed, flesh slowly yellows to browns, and gills are cream.

Identification checklist

Check the entire fruitbody for identification. A reddish to purplish brittlegill that often develops a fishy or shrimp-like smell with age. The stem may be pink-flushed, flesh slowly yellows to browns, and gills are cream. Typical habitat: Coniferous and mixed woodland, associated with different trees depending on the species complex.

How to separate similar species

Compare especially with these similar species: Russula emetica, Russula cyanoxantha. Check the combination of cap shape and colour, spore-bearing surface, stem, flesh changes and habitat. A single feature or photograph is not enough; if the key characters do not match the description, do not treat the identification as confirmed.

Habitat

Coniferous and mixed woodland, associated with different trees depending on the species complex.