Group of Fungi: Agarics

Family: Russulaceae

Latin Name: Russula aeruginea Fr.

Common Name: Green Russula

Description: Total height 2–3 in (5–7.5 cm); cap 2–3 1/2 in (5–9 cm) wide, often developing a sunken center in age, grayish green to yellowish green, sometimes with scattered pale yellow splotches, surface of cap remaining intact, viscid when moist; gills close but moderately broad, creamy to pale yellow; stalk 1 5/8–2 1/2 in (4–6.5 cm) long, 3/8–3/4 in (1–2 cm) in diameter, yellowish-white; spores creamy to pale yellow in mass.

Biological Role: Forms mycorrhizal associations with forest trees.

Habitat: On the ground in broadleaf or conifer forests, usually solitary or occurring in small groups.

Geographical Distribution: Found throughout North America.

Comments: Green is an unusual color in fungi, and Russula aeruginea is one of the few agarics with a green cap. Russula crustosa also has a green cap, but the surface of the latter is broken up into numerous small, irregular patches. Both of these species are considered to be edible.