Russula brevipes

Russula brevipes

Russula brevipes is a common species of mushroom found in North America and Europe. It is part of the Russulaceae family and is known for its large, white, and brittle fruit bodies. The mushroom is often found in coniferous forests, particularly under spruce and pine trees.

Description

The cap of the Russula brevipes is large and white, often reaching diameters of up to 30 cm. The cap is convex when young, but flattens out with age. The gills are also white and are closely spaced. The stem is white, stout, and can reach up to 10 cm in height. The spore print is white to cream.

Habitat and distribution

Russula brevipes is widely distributed across North America and Europe. It is commonly found in coniferous forests, particularly under spruce and pine trees. The mushroom fruits from summer to fall.

Edibility

Russula brevipes is edible, but not highly regarded due to its bland taste. However, it is often used as a host for the parasitic fungus Hypomyces lactifluorum, which turns the mushroom into the much more desirable and tasty lobster mushroom.

See also

• Russula
• Russulaceae
• Hypomyces lactifluorum

References

• Arora, David. Mushrooms Demystified. Ten Speed Press, 1986.
• Phillips, Roger. Mushrooms and Other Fungi of North America. Firefly Books, 2005.

External links

• Russula brevipes at MushroomExpert.com
• Russula brevipes at Roger's Mushrooms