About this fungus
Darkening Brittlegill is a fungus in the Russulaceae family. Its habitat and field characteristics are summarised below.
A substantial conifer-woodland brittlegill with a wine-red to purple cap, often browner at the centre, and pale gills.
What to check
Confirm brittle flesh and gills, no ring or volva, conifer association and a cream to pale-yellow spore print. Cut or bruised flesh changes slowly through pinkish-grey toward dark grey or blackish, so it must be observed over time rather than judged immediately.
Variation
Caps range from dull wine-red to dark purple and may fade tan or brown, especially in the centre. The margin becomes more furrowed with age and the darkening reaction varies in speed.
Lookalikes
Many red and purple Russula overlap in colour, including species associated with different conifers and some that cause gastrointestinal illness. Reliable identification may require spore ornament, chemical reactions, host and specialist keys. Cap colour and apparent mildness are not sufficient.
Habitat and range
Ectomycorrhizal in northern coniferous woodland, particularly with pine and spruce, fruiting among needles and moss. Distribution records are concentrated in Europe and northern temperate regions.
Food safety
Edible.
Use this profile to learn what to examine and compare, not as proof that a mushroom is safe to eat. Check the whole specimen and every important lookalike before reaching an identification.
Photographs
walt sturgeon (Mycowalt) / CC BY-SA 3.0