Green-cracking russula
Russula virescens
A species of Russulas. Also known as Green brittlegill, Green russula.
The green-cracking russula (Russula virescens) is readily identifiable by its light green cap and its common occurrence in deciduous and mixed woodlands. This Old World species has not yet been definitively confirmed in North America, largely due to several instances of possible misidentification with the visually similar R. parvovirescens and R. crustosa.
In This Article
Attributes of Green-cracking russula
Cap Diameter
4 - 15 cm
Height
4 - 10 cm
Cap
Cap 5 - 15 cm; round to convex, becoming flat; green to yellowish green; dry, velvety; margin not lined to very slightly lined
Cap Shape
Convex, Flat, Depressed
Cap Surfaces
Velvety, Visible lines or stripes
Gills
Attached or nearly free; close or crowded; white to cream
Gill Attachment
Free to Attached
Stem
Stem 3 - 9 cm long, 2 - 4 cm thick; white, discoloring brownish with age; brittle, dry, smooth
Stem Shapes
Cylindrical
Stem Surfaces
Smooth
Flesh
Thick; brittle, fairly dense; not changing when sliced
Ring
Ringless
Spore Print Color
White
Odor
Mildly mushroomy but not distinctive.
Body Color
GreenYellowWhite
Flesh Bruises
The flesh or milk does not discolor when bruised or cut.
Growth Form
Solitary, Gregarious
Nutrient Gathering
Mycorrhizal
Substrate
On soil
You can find Green-cracking russula by these plants
Oaks, Pines, European beech
Occurence Habitats
Deciduous Woodland, Coniferous Woodland, Mixed Woodland
Species Status
Widely distributed east of the Rocky Mountains
Endangered Species
No
Scientific Classification of Green-cracking russula
Phylum
Club fungi
Class
Mushroom-forming fungi
Order
Russulales
Family
Russulaceae
Genus
Russulas
Toxicity and Edibility of Green-cracking russula
Is Green-cracking russula Toxic?
Toxicity information is not available for this mushroom. Always consult with an expert before consuming any wild mushrooms.
