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Edibility
Toxic
Lookalike Danger
3 / 5
Habitat
🌲 Conifer
Season
Jul – Oct
"Bright red cap, pure white gills. One bite = violent gastro. The name is not subtle."
This species is found with or partners with the following hosts. Ectomycorrhizal hosts (green border) form a root-level partnership; ericoid / arbutoid shrubs (purple border) share the same mycorrhizal networks.

Generic conifer habitat — pine, spruce, fir, hemlock, or Douglas-fir. Shown when the species is reported from conifers without a specific tree.
Bright red-capped Russula with acrid taste — causes immediate violent vomiting if swallowed raw. Named for its emetic effect. Some Russian traditions pickle it after parboiling, but not recommended.
Mixed forests across temperate North America and Europe. Summer through fall.
Min Soil Temp
50°F
Moisture Need
rain 0.5in 7d
Drought Tolerance
moderate
Elevation Range
0–13,800 ft
Taste test: acrid = TOXIC; mild = edible. Never eat a red russula without tasting a tiny piece raw and spitting it out.
Conifer
Photograph it and log your observation on iNaturalist. The community can help confirm your ID — always get confirmation before eating.