Blackening Russula; Blackening Brittlegill
This species is the most numerous of a complex of Russulas that blacken as they age. Some go through a phase of reddening first or when bruised before they turn brown and eventually black. Depicted are both initial and intermediate stages wherein the young white caps show patches and streaks of red while the more mature caps show difuse but incomplete darkening. Caps of the species can be fairly large when mature, in the 5-15 cm range. They are abundant on the coast under conifers, especially spruce. There is no odor and the taste is usually mild or slightly acrid. They are to be avoided as edibles.