BASIDIOMYCETES: Agaricales, Russulaceae

Shellfish-scented Russula, Russula xerampelina

Basidiomycetes, order: Agaricales, family: Russulaceae

Height to 4½"

Cap is up to 6" wide, convex to flattened, and slightly depressed in the center, colored purple to reddish-brown or even greenish. Stalk is white or washed with pink or purple and quite brittle. Gills are attached, pale, or bruised with brown. Odor is sweet and fishy, especially in older specimens. Spore print is ochre to yellow. The Shellfish-scented Russula is found on the ground in mixed woodlands throughout North America during the summer and fall. It is edible and very tasty. Also known as the Shrimp Russula and the Woodland Russula.