✅ Edibility Note
CHOICE EDIBLE: Excellent flavor, mild taste. Multi-colored cap + BRITTLE FLESH + MILD TASTE diagnostic. One of best edible Russulas. Taste test confirms edibility. Cook thoroughly.
Description
Charcoal Burner has variable colored cap (5-15 cm) - purple, green, gray, or mixed colors - often with multiple colors on same cap. Gills white to cream. Stem white. KEY: BRITTLE CHALKY FLESH, NO LATEX, MILD TASTE. Multi-colored cap diagnostic. Flesh white. Spore print white to pale cream.
Habitat & Distribution
Habitat: Mycorrhizal with hardwoods and conifers. Grows on ground in mixed forests. Widespread. Common species. Scattered or groups.
Region: Eastern US, Midwest, Pacific Northwest, Europe
Seasonality
Summer through fall (July-October).
Common Lookalikes
Always verify identification to avoid these similar species:
- Other Russulas - check taste (mild vs acrid)
- Lactarius - have LATEX
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