Group of Fungi: Agarics

Family: Russulaceae

Latin Name: Russula silvicola Shaffer.

Common Name: Red-cap Russula

Description: Total height 2–3 1/2 in (5–9 cm); cap 1 5/8–3 1/2 in (4–9 cm) wide, convex at first but becoming flattened in age, sometimes developing a sunken center, bright red to pinkish red, surface of cap smooth; gills close to moderately well spaced, white; stalk 1 5/8–3 1/4 in (4–8 cm) long, 3/8–1 in (1–2.5 cm) in diameter, white; spores white in mass.

Biological Role: Forms mycorrhizal associations with forest trees.

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

Geographical Distribution: Found throughout eastern North America.

Comments: Russula silvicola is only one of a number of species of Russula in which the cap is some shade of red or pink. It is often difficult to distinguish one species from another on the basis of features that can be observed in the field. This species is often confused with the very similar Russula emetica, but the latter is probably limited to boggy areas with Sphagnum moss present. Russula silvicola is considered poisonous.