Russula olympiana
(Shrimp Russula, Crab Brittlegill, Russula xerampelina, Xerampelinae, Russula favrei)

Habitat

These can be found from lower foothill elevations up to treeline with Pine, Fir and Spruce.

Description

The mushrooms in the Xeramplina group are more robust than most Russulas. Sometimes with a pinkish blush on the stem, yellow to orange spore print and stain brown where nicked or rubbed. Cap colors can be variable from Reds, Purples, Oranges and others but mostly Reddish Purple. The taste is mild when a small piece is sampled raw then spit out. Cap usually convex. This mushroom can take some time to recognize and is the best for beginners due to possible confusion with other peppery poisonous Russula's.

Key Identifying Characteristics:
1. Stains Brown where injured or scratched.
2. Can Smell Fishy or Shrimp-like in older or dry specimens.
3. Yellow to Orange spore print.
4. Sometimes a slight reddish pink blushing of the stalk.
5. Cap convex usually darker in the center.
6. Tastes mild (Not spicy, peppery, or acrid).
7. More robust than most red Russula's usually larger in size.

This is one of the best edible Russula's and most sought after. It can be grilled, toasted or broiled. It's usually caked with dirt on the cap which can be difficult to clean. They are extremely brittle.

In Colorado we have several mushrooms in this group. Russula xeramplina is the type species for this group originally described from Europe as Agaricus xerampelinus Schaeff. in 1774. R. xerampelina is the name used it most field guides. In Colorado we have Russula olympiana (with various conifers), Russula neopascua (with willow) and Russula madrensis (with Spruce & Pine). There could also be other undescribed species in this group.

Location

Colorado

Smell

Fishy

Spore Print

Yellow to Orange

Edibility

Edible

Color

Red / Purple / Orange

Last Updated

Apr 20 2025 10:11 AM

DISCLAIMER: We intend information on this web site to be accurate. It is possible that some information may contain errors. If you find something that is inaccurate or should be looked at please contact us at comments at coloradomushrooms dot com. You should always be 100% sure on your identification before consuming any wild mushrooms. It is best to consult a local expert or join your local mycological society. This web site takes no responsiblity if you ingest wild mushrooms.