About this fungus
Acrid Blackening Brittlegill is a fungus in the Russulaceae family. Its habitat and field characteristics are summarised below.
A dense, brittle woodland mushroom that passes through a distinct red phase after damage before becoming sooty grey or black.
What to check
Observe the staining sequence on gills, stem and cut flesh over time, gill spacing, cap texture, associated trees and cream spore deposit. Microscopy is needed within the blackening group.
Variation
Young caps can be pale grey-brown, while old fruit bodies become nearly black. The speed and strength of red then black staining vary with age and moisture.
Lookalikes
Russula densifolia and R. nigricans share the blackening habit but differ in gill spacing, staining sequence and microscopic characters. Regional species concepts also vary.
Habitat and range
A northern temperate mycorrhizal species reported with beech, spruce and several other trees across Europe, Asia and North America.
Food safety
Inedible.
Photographs
Photo: Rob van Kruining · CC BY 4.0Species to compare
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