The Sickener
Russula emetica
Safety assessment
Poisonous
Based on reviewed safety sources.
A bright red russula with white gills and a fiercely acrid, burning taste. Causes vomiting and diarrhoea.
Identification
- Skin peels almost to the centre of the cap.
- Extremely acrid, burning taste.
Lookalikes
These species can be confused
Baltic distribution
- Latvia
- 90
- Lithuania
- 365
- Estonia
- 1877
- Global
- 23867
Occurrence records in GBIF — not a claim that the species is absent elsewhere.
Safety first. This information is an educational reference, not a confirmation of an edible mushroom. Identifying fungi is difficult and mistakes can be dangerous. Never eat a mushroom unless you are completely certain of its identity, and consult a certified mycologist.
