Emetic Russula
Seen here in one of its many color variations, the Emetic Russula can be white, yellow, pink, bright red or light red, or creamy and frequently shows a mix of two colors, as in the photo. Caps range from 3-8 cm, with grooves on the margins. They are viscid and shiny when wet, but can be dull in appearance when dry. Stipes are up to 6 cm, equal, cylindrical, dry and white. Gills are likewise white, attached and lack short gills. There is no staining reaction. The spore print is white. The habitat may be terrestrial or on well-myceliated wood in conifer forests. The very similar R. montana is less likely to be found on wood or woody debris. There is no odor but the taste is immediately hot with persistent burning. If consumed it causes nausea and vomiting and abdominal cramping within 30 minutes to a couple of hours. The symptoms spontaneously resolve, but can be prevented by parboiling the fungus or pickling it before consumption. The compounds responsible for the symptoms are members of the sesquiterpene class. It is an extremely common mushroom in the PNW, worth learning to recognize in all of its color variations.