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Edibility
Edible
Lookalike Danger
3 / 5
Habitat
🌲 Conifer
Season
Aug – Oct
"Big white mushroom, boring on its own. But when parasitized by Hypomyces, it becomes the Lobster."
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.
Squat white Russula with very short stem. Mild taste but often a host for the lobster mushroom fungus (Hypomyces lactifluorum) — collecting R. brevipes is sometimes a precursor to finding lobsters.
Conifer forests across North America. Summer through fall.
Min Soil Temp
50°F
Moisture Need
rain 0.5in 7d
Drought Tolerance
moderate
Elevation Range
0–13,800 ft
Peppery. R. brevipes is mild.
Conifer
Photograph it and log your observation on iNaturalist. The community can help confirm your ID — always get confirmation before eating.