Fungus · GBIF taxon 2551542
Charcoal Burner
Russula cyanoxanthaAlso known as Variegated Russula
Charcoal Burner produces smooth, moist caps displaying a striking blend of slate gray, violet, olive green, and brown hues. Unlike most members of its genus, which possess brittle and crumbly gills, its white gills are flexible and greasy to the touch. It forms crucial mycorrhizal relationships with broadleaf trees, particularly beech and oak, across European forests during summer and autumn.
WoodlandFungusVariable Color
—observations
—countries
—peak records
Least ConcernConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXLeast ConcernRed List categories, explained →
Diet & prey
- Mycorrhizal
Predators
- Slugs
- Fungus Gnats
- Rodents
ThreatsForest clearing and heavy soil compaction
HabitatsBroadleaf and mixed forests, especially beech and oak woodlands
Life spanFruiting body 1–2 weeks; underground mycelium lives decades
Size / weightNot available
Classification
- FamilyRussulaceae
- SpeciesRussula cyanoxantha
Range data is not available yet.
Interaction riskLow
- Low
- Moderate
- High
- Very high
- Why interaction risk is low
- Many edible mushrooms have toxic look-alikes; never eat wild fungi based on app identification alone.
Responsible observation
- Flexible Gill Test: Slide a finger across the gills to see if they bend flexibly without flaking or snapping.
- Cap Surface Inspection: Look for a smooth, slightly slimy cap blending dusky purples, greens, and charcoal grays.
- Host Tree Association: Search around mature beech and oak roots in temperate broadleaf woodlands.
Dangerous Lookalike (c) Davide Puddu, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Davide Puddu · cc-by
Close Relative (c) Björn Sothmann, some rights reserved (CC BY-SA) · cc-by-sa
Close Relative (c) Sharon Squazzo, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Sharon Squazzo · cc-by
Close Relative
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