Least Stinking Brittlegill

Russula subfoetens

Also known as Bitter Brittlegill.

Photo: Per Marstad|Turid Nakling Kristiansen · CC BY 4.0

About this fungus

Least Stinking Brittlegill is a fungus in the Russulaceae family. Its habitat and field characteristics are summarised below.

A sticky honey-brown brittlegill with a strongly grooved margin and unpleasant odour.

What to check

Confirm brittle flesh, cream print, no ring or volva, a hollowing stem and a golden-yellow KOH reaction on stem flesh.

Variation

Young caps are smooth and domed; older caps become deeply depressed, grooved and stained brown.

Lookalikes

Russula foetens and related species are very similar. Chemical and microscopic characters are more reliable than cap colour.

Habitat and range

Mycorrhizal with broadleaf trees in temperate Eurasian woodland; older records elsewhere need regional review.

Food safety

Poisonous.

Photographs

Another view of Least Stinking Brittlegill

Species to compare

Similar mushrooms to compare against:

A glimpse of the research.

We do not yet have a checked seasonal or weather finding to share for this species. The field guide is still a useful starting point for learning what to examine.

Read six species examples →