How to identify Blackening Russula

To correctly identify Blackening Russula (Russula nigricans), 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 initially convex, later flattening and becoming slightly depressed in the center. The color ranges from whitish to pale ochre, gradually darkening to brownish-black with age or bruising. The surface is smooth and dry, sometimes slightly sticky when wet.

2. 2

   Gills

   Attachment to stem, color, and spacing.

   The gills are adnate to slightly decurrent, widely spaced, and brittle. They are initially creamy white, turning greyish and eventually blackening with age or bruising.

3. 3

   Stem

   Length, shape, surface, and any ring.

   The stem is stout and firm, typically 5-12 cm long and 2-4 cm thick. It is usually white, but like the rest of the mushroom, it bruises reddish and then blackish when handled. The surface is dry and smooth.

4. 4

   Flesh

   Color, texture, and bruising reaction.

   The flesh is very firm and thick, white when young, but slowly turns reddish and then blackish when exposed to air or bruised. This color change is a key identifying feature.

5. 5

   Fruiting body

   Overall growth pattern.

   The fruiting body of Russula nigricans is large and fleshy, typically reaching a cap diameter of 10-20 cm. The overall appearance is robust and substantial.

6. 6

   Habitat

   Where it grows and on what substrate.

   Russula nigricans is found in both deciduous and coniferous woods, often in association with beech and oak trees. It is a mycorrhizal fungus, forming symbiotic relationships with the roots of trees. It typically fruits in summer and autumn.

Key Facts

Cap surfaces

Smooth, dry, sometimes slightly sticky when wet

Growth Form

Solitary or scattered

Spore Print

White to Cream

Body color

Whitish to pale ochre, darkening to brownish-black

Odor

Mild, sometimes slightly fishy

Flesh bruises

Reddish, then blackish

Height

5-12 cm

Cap Diameter

10-20 cm

Fruit body characteristics

• Gill attachment: Adnate to slightly decurrent
• Stem shape: Cylindrical to slightly club-shaped
• Stem surface: Dry, smooth
• Ring: Absent
• Stem cross-section: Solid

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