Aptly named, birch brittlegill is often found growing beneath birch trees, though it occasionally is associated with other hardwoods. While this mushroom has a somewhat unique pink-to-white coloration, this mushroom may still be indistinguishable from other brittlegills that can share this coloration.
Cap Diameter:
4 - 12 cm
Odor:
Slightly disagreeable or resisting scent.
In This Article
Attributes
Toxicity and Edibility
Similar Species
Tips for Finding
Clean and Preserve
Common Questions
General Info About Birch brittlegill
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Attributes of Birch brittlegill
Cap Diameter
4 - 12 cm
Height
3 - 10 cm
Cap
Cap 2 - 5 cm across; convex to flat; white to pink; margin becomes furrowed
Cap Shape
Convex, Flat, Depressed
Cap Surfaces
Visible lines or stripes
Gills
Well spaced; white
Gill Attachment
Free
Stem
Cylindrical, slightly club-shaped; white; very fragile
Stem Shapes
Cylindrical
Flesh
Very fragile; white
Ring
Ringless
Spore Print Color
White
Odor
Slightly disagreeable or resisting scent.
Body Color
Brown
Yellow
White
Pink
Flesh Bruises
The flesh or milk does not discolor when bruised or cut.
The birch brittlegill is a woodland mushroom that prefers damp places. As its name implies, it's commonly found near birch trees, where it exists in a symbiotic relationship with the tree’s roots, helping it absorb water and nutrients while the tree provides the fungus with sugars and amino acids.
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Is Birch brittlegill Toxic?
Birch brittlegill is typically found in birch-associated habitats during the latter half of the annual mushroom season. Characterized by its reddish cap and stem, it stands out from non-toxic counterparts. Whilst not fatal to humans, eating this mushroom can cause minor gastrointestinal disturbances. Caution is required when foraging, to avoid possible stomach and intestinal upset.
Type of poisoning
Gastrointestinal
Toxic Severity
Low toxicity
Incubation Period
0.5-4 hours
Poisoning Symptoms
Experience of minor digestive upset in the stomach and intestines.
Similar Species to Birch brittlegill
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Tips for Finding Birch brittlegill
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How to Clean and Preserve Birch brittlegill
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Common Questions People Also Ask
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