How to identify Beechwood Sickener

To correctly identify Beechwood Sickener (Russula nobilis), 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 convex to flattened, typically 4-8 cm in diameter. The color is bright reddish, often fading to pinkish or yellowish with age. The surface is smooth and slightly sticky when moist.

2. 2

   Gills

   Attachment to stem, color, and spacing.

   The gills are white to cream, closely spaced, and brittle.

3. 3

   Stem

   Length, shape, surface, and any ring.

   The stem is white, cylindrical, and smooth, typically 3-6 cm long and 1-2 cm thick.

4. 4

   Flesh

   Color, texture, and bruising reaction.

   White and firm.

5. 5

   Fruiting body

   Overall growth pattern.

   Medium-sized mushroom with a reddish cap and white stem.

6. 6

   Habitat

   Where it grows and on what substrate.

   Deciduous forests, especially under beech trees.

Key Facts

Cap surfaces

Smooth, slightly sticky when moist

Growth Form

Solitary or scattered

Spore Print

White to cream

Body color

Reddish cap, white stem

Odor

Faint, fruity

Flesh bruises

No bruising

Height

3-6 cm

Cap Diameter

4-8 cm

Fruit body characteristics

• Gill attachment: Adnexed to free
• Stem shape: Cylindrical
• Stem surface: Smooth
• Ring: Absent
• Stem cross-section: Solid

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