The russule or charcoal burner is a variety of edible wild mushroom ranging in colour from purple to light green, usually found in late summer to autumn (US: fall) under deciduous trees. It is among the first of the season to appear and grows at higher elevations around 1800 ft. Most brittlegills resemble other ones that are inedible and some will cause gastric problems. You can normally detect what type it is by the flavour. A tiny tasting will immediately reveal whether or not it is edible, but it is worth spitting it out immediately if you detect a bitter taste. (If gathering mushrooms you must be absolutely certain what you have before you eat them as many are very poisonous.)
