Birch Brittlegill - Russula betularum

Description

It is a small deicate species, seldom more than about 4 cm diameter and it is bright pink, soon developing white patches, and often ending up pure white. The flesh tastes very hot and a sure-fire test is to peel the cap skin carefully when it comes off complete you are looking at Russula betularum. The stem is typically longer than the diameter of the cap. The gills are white and well spaced.

Identification difficulty
Habitat

Usually found with Birch trees and often grows in damp places in woodland.

When to see it

Appears in summer and early autumn.

Life History

Strongly associated with Birch.

UK Status

Common and widespread in Britain.

VC55 Status

Quite common in Leicestershire and Rutland.

Leicestershire & Rutland Map

MAP KEY:

Yellow squares = NBN records (all known data)
Coloured circles = NatureSpot records: 2025+ | 2020-2024 | pre-2020

UK Map

Species profile

Common names
Birch Brittlegill
Species group:
fungus
Kingdom:
Fungi
Order:
Russulales
Family:
Russulaceae
Records on NatureSpot:
9
First record:
04/11/2012 (Nicholls, David)
Last record:
03/11/2024 (Robinson, David)

Total records by month

% of records within its species group

10km squares with records

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