A group of Shrimp Russulas, Russula xeramplina, has bloomed under a Shore Pine tree on our property. I finally learned the identification of these edible mushrooms after a mushroom forage with David Arora a month or so ago. First, it is a substantial mushroom, not flimsy. The stem is rosy though you will have to look closely at my photo to see the blush. When you scratch the stem it should turn yellow. To further make sure you have the edible Russula, bite off a small piece of the cap, chew and then spit out. If you taste pepper you have the wrong one.
These two 'shrooms are growing next to a large rock at our home in Anchor Bay.
It's been cold and dry here on the Mendonoma Coast. But these Shrimp Russulas didn't seem to mind! To see several other photos of this mushroom, here's the link: http://www.mendonomasightings.com/2011/11/24/shrimp-russula-has-appeared-on-the-edge-of-our-forest-in-anchor-bay/
Maureen
Thanks for post. I will now know better how to identify this russula. Didn't find any these last two weekends though, but on Saturday, in between storms, I found a fresh batch of hedeghogs, yellow feet and trumpets popping behind my cabin! Yeah for the rains!
Jeanne Jackson
Yes, all of those mushrooms are popping at our place too. Should be great mushrooming this week!