Sickener

Russula emetica

Family: Russulaceae

Sickener (Russula emetica)
Photo:MichalPL(CC BY-SA 4.0)View original source →

Overview

Bright scarlet-red Russula of acid Sphagnum and conifer woods across Europe and North America. Intensely peppery — name is literal: makes you vomit. Generally regarded as 'the' red Russula to avoid.

Edibility
Toxic
Rarity
common
Trophic mode
mycorrhizal

Host trees & substrate

  • Local forest substrate

See live fruiting predictions for Sickener 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.