Common name: Ballou's Russula.
Russula ballouii is a species of mushroom characterized by its reddish-brown to brown cap, white gills, and white stem. In East and Central Texas, it typically fruits from June to October, often in association with oak trees, particularly Quercus stellata and Quercus buckleyi. The cap ranges from 3-8 cm in diameter, and the stem is 3-6 cm tall and 1-2 cm thick. Spore prints are white, and microscopic examination reveals elliptical spores with warts and reticulations. This species is considered edible, but caution is advised due to potential confusion with other Russula species.
Underside of a milkcap mushroom Russula ballouii collected at mushroom walk of Gulf States Mycological Society. Little Thicket Nature Sanctuary, Cleveland, Texas, November 13, 2021
San Jacinto County, Texas, United States
Cap of a milkcap mushroom Russula ballouii collected at mushroom walk of Gulf States Mycological Society. Little Thicket Nature Sanctuary, Cleveland, Texas, November 13, 2021San Jacinto County, Texas, United States
Ballou's brittlegill mushrooms (Russula ballouii) in Watson Rare Native Plant Preserve. Warren, Texas, November 27, 2021610, Red Oak Lane, Tyler County, Texas, 77664, United States
Ballou's brittlegill mushrooms (Russula ballouii) in wet area near the creek on Caney Creek Trail (Little Lake Creek Loop Trail) in Sam Houston National Forest north from Montgomery. Texas, November 28, 2021Little Lake Creek Loop Trail, Montgomery County, Texas, 77873, United States
Ballou's brittlegill mushrooms (Russula ballouii) on floodplain on Caney Creek Trail (Little Lake Creek Loop Trail) in Sam Houston National Forest north from Montgomery. Texas, November 28, 2021Little Lake Creek Loop Trail, Montgomery County, Texas, 77873, United States
Cross section of Ballou's brittlegill mushrooms (Russula ballouii) on Caney Creek Trail (Little Lake Creek Loop Trail) in Sam Houston National Forest north from Montgomery. Texas, November 28, 2021Little Lake Creek Loop Trail, Montgomery County, Texas, 77873, United States
Ballou's brittlegill mushrooms (Russula ballouii) on Caney Creek Trail (Little Lake Creek Loop Trail) in Sam Houston National Forest north from Montgomery. Texas, December 12, 2021Little Lake Creek Loop Trail, Montgomery County, Texas, 77873, United States
Brittlegill mushrooms Russula ballouii in wet area on Caney Creek Trail (Little Lake Creek Loop Trail) in Sam Houston National Forest north from Montgomery. Texas, November 18, 2023Lone Star Hiking Trail, Montgomery County, Texas, United States
Side view if brittlegill mushrooms Russula ballouii on Caney Creek Trail (Little Lake Creek Loop Trail) in Sam Houston National Forest north from Montgomery. Texas, November 18, 2023Lone Star Hiking Trail, Montgomery County, Texas, United States
Spores of brittlegill mushrooms Russula ballouii from wet area, collected on Caney Creek section of Lone Star Hiking Trail in Sam Houston National Forest north from Montgomery. Texas, November 18, 2023
Ballou's Russula mushrooms (Russula ballouii) on Caney Creek Trail (Little Lake Creek Loop Trail) in Sam Houston National Forest north from Montgomery. Texas, December 2, 2023Little Lake Creek Loop Trail, Montgomery County, Texas, 77873, United StatesObservations of Russula ballouii in East and Central Texas reveal the fungus grows in various environments, including nature sanctuaries and national forests. It is commonly found in wet areas near creeks, such as Caney Creek Trail in Sam Houston National Forest, and on floodplains. The mushrooms have been spotted from November to December, suggesting a fall fruiting period. Multiple collections were made at Little Thicket Nature Sanctuary and along Caney Creek Trail, indicating the species' presence in these regions. The fungus has been observed growing singly and in groups, with caps and undersides exhibiting characteristic features of the species. Spore prints have also been collected for further study. Overall, Russula ballouii appears to thrive in moist environments in East and Central Texas, particularly in areas with abundant water sources.
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