How to identify Sickener

To correctly identify Sickener (Russula emetica), check each of these features in order. Misidentification is the most common cause of mushroom poisoning, so cross-reference multiple sources.

Step-by-step identification

1. 1

   Cap

   Shape, color, surface texture, and diameter.

   The cap is typically 5–10 cm (2–4 in) in diameter, convex when young, then flattening out with age, sometimes with a shallow depression. The cap surface is smooth and viscid when moist, and the color is typically bright red, fading to pink or even white in the center. The cap cuticle can be peeled off almost entirely from the cap.

2. 2

   Gills

   Attachment to stem, color, and spacing.

   The gills are adnexed to almost free, close together, and pure white. They are brittle and often forked near the stipe.

3. 3

   Stem

   Length, shape, surface, and any ring.

   The stipe is 4.5–10.5 cm (1.8–4.1 in) long and 0.7–2.4 cm (0.3–0.9 in) thick, white, cylindrical or slightly club-shaped, and dry. It is smooth or slightly roughened, and brittle.

4. 4

   Flesh

   Color, texture, and bruising reaction.

   The flesh is white, brittle, and has a hot, acrid taste.

5. 5

   Fruiting body

   Overall growth pattern.

   The fruiting body of Russula emetica is a mushroom with a cap and a stipe. The cap is typically 5–10 cm (2–4 in) in diameter, convex when young, then flattening out with age, sometimes with a shallow depression. The cap surface is smooth and viscid when moist, and the color is typically bright red, fading to pink or even white in the center. The cap cuticle can be peeled off almost entirely from the cap.

6. 6

   Habitat

   Where it grows and on what substrate.

   Russula emetica is commonly found in deciduous and coniferous forests, often near birch, beech, or pine trees. It fruits from summer to autumn.

Key Facts

Cap surfaces

Smooth, viscid when moist

Growth Form

Solitary or scattered

Spore Print

White

Body color

Red, pink, or white

Odor

Mild or indistinct

Flesh bruises

Does not typically bruise

Height

4.5–10.5 cm (1.8–4.1 in)

Cap Diameter

5–10 cm (2–4 in)

Fruit body characteristics

• Gill attachment: Adnexed to almost free
• Stem shape: Cylindrical or slightly club-shaped
• Stem surface: Smooth or slightly roughened
• Ring: Absent
• Stem cross-section: Solid

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