Posted by Joe M.

Last Saturday 8/2/14 I got my first russula of the season out of Sage Hen, see picture. I am still uncertain of its classification as a specie, and I only got one, so it is harder to identify. The spore deposit is pale yellow and its taste is mild, that should put it into the R. xerampelina group, with the cap colors not quite right, but the literature says is possible.The cap is large, about 14 cms, stem 4 cms wide, widens down, with a bulb 6 cms wide. The gills are white and very brittle, the edge is not striate, but tinted with a vinaceous color.  It has a strong smell, to me, shrimpy or fishy. The spores are about 9 x 7 microns, with warts about 1 micron. Color changes and bruises to brown.

I guess it could be from the R. fragantissima group, maybe the strong smell is just fetid, I don't have enough experiece to tell the difference. But overall, to me, it fits better on the R. xerempelina description.

I am aware that some of you collect R. xerempelina.  Have you found any to be yellow? Do you have any previous experience with this mushroom in Idaho? What do you think?

Today I found some ferrous sulfate pills, I dissolved them in water, and I am going to find me another russula, and look for the color changes...If it turns green, will it be enough proof?