Fauna
Fungus

Charcoal Burner

Russula cyanoxantha

Also 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
Charcoal Burner reference1 / 7
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Least ConcernConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXLeast ConcernRed List categories, explained →
Key facts
Diet & preyMycorrhizal
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
Classification
  1. FamilyRussulaceae
  2. SpeciesRussula cyanoxantha
Range & activity
Range data is not available yet.
Safe observation
Interaction riskLow
  1. Low
  2. Moderate
  3. High
  4. 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.
Related species
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