How to identify Geranium Russula

To correctly identify Geranium Russula (Russula fellea), 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 inches) in diameter, convex when young, flattening with age, often with a slightly depressed center. The color ranges from pale yellow to ochre-yellow, sometimes with a reddish-brown tint in the center. The surface is smooth, dry, and often sticky or greasy when moist. The margin is usually smooth, sometimes slightly striate with age.

2. 2

   Gills

   Attachment to stem, color, and spacing.

   The gills are adnate to slightly decurrent, crowded, and brittle. They are initially white, becoming cream to pale ochre with age, sometimes with rusty spots. They are often forked near the stem.

3. 3

   Stem

   Length, shape, surface, and any ring.

   The stem is 4-8 cm (1.5-3 inches) long and 1-2 cm (0.4-0.8 inches) thick, cylindrical or slightly tapering towards the base. It is white to yellowish, often concolorous with the cap, and smooth. It is solid when young, becoming somewhat hollow or chambered with age. It is very brittle.

4. 4

   Flesh

   Color, texture, and bruising reaction.

   The flesh is white, firm, and brittle. It does not change color when cut or bruised. It has a strong, distinctive odor, often described as geranium-like, apple sauce, or even slightly rancid. The taste is very acrid and peppery.

5. 5

   Fruiting body

   Overall growth pattern.

   The fruiting body is a typical agaric (gilled mushroom) with a cap, gills, and a central stem. It is brittle and breaks easily.

6. 6

   Habitat

   Where it grows and on what substrate.

   Russula fellea is a mycorrhizal fungus, forming symbiotic relationships with trees. It is most commonly found growing on the ground in deciduous and mixed woodlands, particularly under beech (Fagus) trees, but also occasionally with oak (Quercus) and birch (Betula).

Key Facts

Cap surfaces

Smooth, dry, sometimes sticky when moist

Growth Form

Solitary to scattered

Spore Print

Cream to pale ochre

Body color

Yellowish-ochre cap, white to yellowish stem

Odor

Geranium-like, apple sauce-like, or slightly rancid

Flesh bruises

Does not bruise

Height

4-8 cm

Cap Diameter

5-10 cm

Fruit body characteristics

• Gill attachment: Adnate to slightly decurrent
• Stem shape: Cylindrical or slightly tapering
• Stem surface: Smooth
• Ring: Absent
• Stem cross-section: Solid, becoming chambered or hollow with age

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