How to identify Crab brittlegill

To correctly identify Crab brittlegill (Russula heterophylla), 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.

   5–10 cm in diameter, plano-convex when young, but flattening and slightly depressed when mature. The cap is various shades of green, sometimes with brown or ochre spots. The cap cuticle is smooth, greasy, and easily peeled.

2. 2

   Gills

   Attachment to stem, color, and spacing.

   Adnate to slightly decurrent, crowded, and white to cream.

3. 3

   Stem

   Length, shape, surface, and any ring.

   Cylindrical, white, and measures 3–7 cm long by 1–2 cm wide.

4. 4

   Flesh

   Color, texture, and bruising reaction.

   White, with a mild taste and a fruity smell.

5. 5

   Fruiting body

   Overall growth pattern.

   The fruiting body has a cap of 5–10 cm in diameter, plano-convex when young, but flattening and slightly depressed when mature. The cap is various shades of green, sometimes with brown or ochre spots. The cap cuticle is smooth, greasy, and easily peeled. The gills are adnate to slightly decurrent, crowded, and white to cream. The stem is cylindrical, white, and measures 3–7 cm long by 1–2 cm wide. The flesh is white, with a mild taste and a fruity smell.

6. 6

   Habitat

   Where it grows and on what substrate.

   Mixed woods in late summer and autumn.

Key Facts

Cap surfaces

Smooth, greasy, easily peeled

Growth Form

Solitary or scattered

Spore Print

White to cream

Body color

Green, sometimes with brown or ochre spots

Odor

Fruity

Flesh bruises

No bruising

Height

3-7 cm

Cap Diameter

5-10 cm

Fruit body characteristics

• Gill attachment: Adnate to slightly decurrent
• Stem shape: Cylindrical
• Stem surface: Smooth
• Ring: Absent
• Stem cross-section: Solid

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