Blackening Russula
This summer and fall species is one of several Russulas that blackens over time. It is initially white but the cap quickly turns brown. It is a stocky species with typically short and thick stalks and caps that may reach 6 inches across, possibly more. It is a conifer or mixed hardwood/conifer species. Caps become deeply indented over time as they turn gray and then black. Before turning black the context or stipe will turn light red if bruised for a short time, setting it apart from Russula albonigra. The gills are widely spaced with tiers of short gills that do not reach the stipe, a feature found only in the compactae and brevipes groups of Russulas. It is edible with a mild taste and usually no odor. The widely spaced gills and mild taste set it apart from other Russulas that have an intervening reddish staining before turning black.