Tacky Green Russula
(Russula aeruginea)
Tack
Tacky Green Russula

Tacky Green Russula

sculpture, acrylic paints

This Russula has a green cap 2 to 3-3/8 inches wide, convex to flat, often depressed in the center, with faint radial lines along the edge. It's slightly sticky when wet, accounting for its common name. The brittle flesh is white.

The broad white (sometimes tinged with yellow) gills, which are close together, attach to the stalk, sometimes descending it slightly. The spore print is orange-yellow.

The smooth, dull yellowish-white stem is 1-5/8 to 2-3/8 inches long, 3/8 to 3/4 inches long, sometimes tapering toward the base.

Tacky Green Russula

Tacky Green Russula

This mushroom grows on the ground in deciduous and coniferous forests throughout North America all summer, from late fall to early spring in California.

The green quilt russula (R. crustosa) resembles the tacky green russula, but it's green cap develops a cracked, quilted appearnce, and it's also an excellent edible.

The tacky green Russula imparts a sweet, delicate flavor to soups, casseroles, stews, or vegetable dishes. Any cooking method works — just don't overpower it with seasonings or strong-flavored ingredients.