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Blackening russula

Russula nigricans

A species of Russulas, Also known as Bloody blackening russula

The flesh of the blackening russula (Russula nigricans) becomes blackish when cut or bruised. The whole fruitbody also becomes black as it ages. This characteristic puts this widely distributed Russula species into the category of "undesirable" mushrooms, and consumption is not advised.

Cap Diameter:

5 - 20 cm

Odor:

Faintly fruity, generally mild.

General Info About Blackening russula

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Attributes of Blackening russula

Cap Diameter

5 - 20 cm

Height

4 - 10 cm

Cap

Cap 5 - 20 cm in diameter; convex, flat; dirty white, brown, black; smooth

Cap Shape

Convex, Flat, Depressed

Cap Surfaces

Smooth

Gills

Adnate; white to cream, gray-brown, black; grey to black when bruised

Gill Attachment

Attached

Stem

Stem 5 - 8 cm long and 2 - 5 cm wide; straight, firm; white, too blackens with age

Stem Shapes

Cylindrical

Stem Surfaces

Smooth

Flesh

Cut flesh turn red, then slowly gray to black

Ring

Ringless

Spore Print Color

White

Odor

Faintly fruity, generally mild.

Body Color

White

Flesh Bruises

Discolor to reddish or gray-black

Growth Form

Gregarious

Nutrient Gathering

Mycorrhizal

Substrate

On soil

You can find Blackening russula by these plants:

Oaks, Pines, Spruces, European beech

Occurence Habitats

Deciduous Woodland, Coniferous Woodland, Mixed Woodland

Species Status

Throughout Britain and Ireland

Endangered Species

How to Identify Blackening russula

Fruiting Body Cap Flesh

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Habitat of Blackening russula

The blackening russula can be found in both deciduous and coniferous forests. This fungus exists in a symbiotic relationship with a host tree’s roots, helping it absorb water and nutrients while the tree provides the fungus with sugars and amino acids. The fruitbodies grow above the host tree's roots.

Distribution Area of Blackening russula

North America,Europe,North Africa,Central America,northern Asia

Uses of Blackening russula

Blackening russula is an edible mushroom species valued for its culinary applications. Often sought after by foragers, blackening russula is especially popular in regional cuisines where it is incorporated into various dishes. While it enjoys a seasonal presence in some locales, enthusiasts should be mindful of proper identification and preparation methods to ensure safety. Its collection value stems from its edibility, making blackening russula a noteworthy find for mushroom hunters.

Scientific Classification of Blackening russula

Phylum

Club fungi

Class

Mushroom-forming fungi

Order

Russulales

Family

Russulaceae

Genus

Russulas

Toxicity and Edibility of Blackening russula

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Is Blackening russula Toxic?

A variant subspecies of the blackening russula has been found to contain a toxin that causes rhabdomyolysis, a form of muscle breakdown that can lead to kidney failure and death. Ever since this discovery, consumption of all forms of blackening russula has been officially discouraged.

Is Blackening russula Toxic to Dogs?

Blackening russula contains toxins that may cause gastrointestinal discomfort to dogs, much the way they do to humans. Symptoms of poisoning include gastrointestinal distress. Although there is no record of fatalities it is a wise precaution to take your dog to the vet if it experiences these symptoms after eating this mushroom.

Similar Species to Blackening russula

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Ugly milk-cap

Similar Species

Blackening russula

Confusing Aspects of Ugly milk-cap and Blackening russula?

Blackening russula and Ugly milk-cap share similar dark colors, habitats, and overall morphology, easily leading to misidentification.

How to Differentiate Between Ugly milk-cap and Blackening russula?

Blackening russula: Does not exude latex when gills are damaged.

Ugly milk-cap: Exudes white atex.

Tips for Finding Blackening russula

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When is the Best Time to Find Blackening russula

Search for blackening russula in late summer to early autumn, when the air feels cool and after periods of rain. Ideal time is when daytime temperatures range from 60-75°F (15-24°C) and nights are not frosty.

What are the Ideal Soil Conditions for Blackening russula

Acidic, well-drained soils.

What are Some Tips for Finding Blackening russula

Check forest floors in areas with a mix of coniferous and broadleaved trees.
Look for blackening russula in loosely clustered groups rather than individually.
Examine open spaces in woodlands, such as clearings, for blackening russula growth.
Focus on well-drained spots as blackening russula prefers acidic soil conditions.
Explore parklands and cemeteries with mature trees that might support blackening russula.

How to Clean and Preserve Blackening russula

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How to Clean Blackening russula

Gently brush off any dirt using a soft brush, taking care to maintain the physical integrity of blackening russula. If necessary, lightly dampen a cloth and wipe blackening russula clean. Do not soak as blackening russula may absorb water and become slimy.

Tips on Dry Preservation of Blackening russula

Drying Methods

Dehydrator Drying, Oven Drying, Air Drying

Drying Duration

12 - 18 months

Store in a cool, dark, dry place with airtight containers to prevent moisture absorption.

Dehydrator drying: Ensures even and consistent drying, suitable for high water content mushrooms.

Oven drying: Set at low temperature, with the door slightly open, allows for gentle drying.

Air drying: Ideal in arid climates, use a well-ventilated area away from direct sunlight.

Tips on Freezing Preservation of Blackening russula

Freezing Methods

Blanching Before Freezing

Freezing Duration

10 - 12 months

Blanching before freezing: Inactivates enzymes, maintaining quality.

Tips on Refrigeration Preservation of Blackening russula

Refrigerating Methods

Paper Bag Storage, Perforated Plastic Bag Storage

Temperature

3 ℃

Refrigerating Humidity

90 - 95 %

Refrigerating Duration

5 - 7 days

Paper Bag Storage: Permits air circulation, reducing moisture accumulation; ideal for firm mushrooms, preventing sliminess.

Perforated Plastic Bag Storage: Small holes in bags allow ethylene gas to escape, maintaining freshness and preventing spoilage.

Common Questions People Also Ask

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Why is it called blackening russula?

Where does blackening russula grow?

When does blackening russula appear?

How big does blackening russula get?

More Mushrooms That Are Similar to Blackening russula

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Russula densifolia

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Russula albonigra