Charcoal Burner
Russula cyanoxantha
Family: Russulaceae
Also called: Charcoal Burner, Variable Russula, Blue-Green Russula
Overview
Variable purple-green capped Russula of eastern hardwood forests. Mild taste — good edible; flexible gills (don't shatter).
Edibility
Edible
Rarity
common
Trophic mode
mycorrhizal
Typical peak
Sep–Oct
Season
Sep–Nov — typical fruiting months: Aug, Sep, Oct.
Host trees & substrate
- Mycorrhizal with oak
- Mycorrhizal with beech
- Mycorrhizal with maple
- Mycorrhizal with birch
Where it grows
See live fruiting predictions for Charcoal Burner on the forecast home page, or browse the full field guide.
Always confirm wild-mushroom identification with multiple sources and a knowledgeable local expert before consuming. Read the foraging safety guide.