Fauna
Fungus

Emetic Russula

Russula silvicola

Also known as Woodland Emetic Russula, Sylvan Red Russula

Bright red caps and chalk-white, brittle gills make emetic russulas a striking sight along North American forest floors. These mushrooms form mycorrhizal partnerships with surrounding trees, swapping mineral nutrients for photosynthetic sugars beneath the leaf litter. When crushed or bruised, the flesh yields a characteristic peppery or acrid sensation that deters many herbivores.

FungusToxicWoodland
Emetic Russula reference1 / 5
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Not EvaluatedConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXNot Evaluated — not placed on the risk ladderRed List categories, explained →
Key facts
Diet & preyMycorrhizal
Predators
  • Fungus gnats
  • Slugs
  • Squirrels
ThreatsHabitat destruction and soil compaction
HabitatsConiferous and mixed temperate forests
Life spanPerennial underground mycelium; fruiting bodies last 1–2 weeks
Classification
  1. FamilyRussulaceae
  2. SpeciesRussula silvicola
Range & activity
Range data is not available yet.
Safe observation
Interaction riskHigh
  1. Low
  2. Moderate
  3. High
  4. Very high
Why interaction risk is high
Causes severe gastrointestinal distress if consumed, and wild fungi have dangerous look-alikes; never ingest.
Why it is dangerous
Contains severe gastrointestinal toxins that cause intense nausea, vomiting, abdominal cramps, and diarrhea if eaten.
How to recognize a risky encounter
Look for a vibrant red cap, brittle white gills, and a white stem growing near trees in North American woods.
What to do
Touch is harmless, but wash hands after handling wild fungi and never ingest unverified specimens.
Responsible observation
  • Observe Features: Examine the chalky, brittle texture of the stem, which breaks clean like chalk.
  • Check Spore Color: Drop the cap on dark paper overnight to reveal a white or cream spore print.
  • Leave in Place: Leave fruiting bodies intact to allow spore dispersal across the forest floor.
Related species
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