Beechwood Sickener/Summer/Autumn/Inedible
Scientific Name
Russula Nobilis
Family
Russulaceae
Habitat
Beech woodland
Description
A distinctive red capped Brittlegill mushroom growing in beech woodlands, as the name suggests its not edible and causes stomach upsets and vomiting.

Identifying Features for The Beechwood Sickener:
Cap:
Convex to flattening sometimes slightly depressed in the middle. Bright crimson red, pale red to occasionally white. If peeled the flesh underneath is usually pink.

Stem:
White and snaps like chalk sometimes bulbous on the base.
Gills:
Adnexed white/cream, brittle and slightly connected to stem.

Smell:
Mushroomy however this has a very hot acrid taste to it. indicating this is a poisonous mushroom
Spores:
White
Uses
This is a poisonous mushroom and should not be used.
In food
This is a poisonous mushroom and should not be used.
Harvesting
Found July through to November. However this is a poisonous mushroom and should not be used.
Known hazards
This is a poisonous mushroom and should not be used.
Potential lookalikes
the Beechwood Sickener looks incredibly similar to the Sickener however the Sickener grows mainly in Pine woods rather than beech.
-Snap – Does the stem snap like a piece of chalk?
-Flick – Do the gills break when you flick them gently?
-Peel – Does the skin on the cap peel away?
-Taste– this should only be done when you have gone through the other steps and are confident that you have a Russula. If a tiny amount placed on the tongue a chilli like burn or tingle means the mushroom is poisonous but a pleasant mushroomy taste means it is edible.
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