Russula cremoricolor

Russula cremoricolor, also known as the winter russula, is a species of gilled mushroom. It is mildly toxic.

Taxonomy

The red variant was previously identified as Russula silvicola, but was found to be genetically identical to the cream-colored R. cremoricolor.

This mushroom has red, cream-yellow, and pink color variants, which complicates attempts at field identification.

R. californiensis is similar, but R. cremoricolor keeps its gills and stipe white even in age, has a sharper taste, and associates with mixed forest or tanoak rather than pine.

The species can be found growing in groups.

The species is mildly toxic, causing intestinal distress even when consumed in small amounts. Its acrid taste is also a deterrent.