⚠ If you suspect ingestion of this species, call Poison Control immediately:
1-800-222-1222 (US) · poison.org
1-800-222-1222 (US) · poison.org
Key Identification Features
- Cap 5-10 cm, bright cherry-red to scarlet, smooth, cuticle peels easily from edge. Gills white, very brittle (snap cleanly — characteristic of all Russula). Stem white. EXTREMELY acrid, burning peppery taste in raw flesh. White spore print. Found in damp conifer forests and bogs.
Symptoms & Toxicity
Onset within 2 hr: severe GI irritation — nausea, vomiting, diarrhea from acrid compounds. Usually self-limiting. Raw flesh causes more severe reaction than cooked.
Regions Found
- Northeast
Look-Alikes
No documented look-alikes on record.
Safety disclaimer: This page is for educational purposes only. Never eat a wild mushroom based solely on online information. Always verify identification using multiple reliable field guides and, when possible, consult an experienced forager or mycologist. When in doubt, don't eat it. Spore & Scout accepts no responsibility for identification errors or adverse reactions. If you believe someone has ingested a toxic mushroom, call Poison Control (1-800-222-1222) immediately.