Russula foetens (Stinking brittlegill) — Poisonous Mushroom

Korean name: 냄새무당버섯

A large mushroom with a strong, unpleasant smell. The nauseating odor fades when cooked, so it can still be mistaken for edible species.

Key facts

• Category: Poisonous mushroom
• Toxicity: Poisonous — do not eat. Keep children and pets away.
• Native to: Worldwide
• Traits: Strong odor, Yellow-brown, Russula, GI toxin, Large
• Also known as: Stinking brittlegill

Toxicity, identification & first aid

• Toxic symptoms: Contains phenolic toxins. Nausea, vomiting, stomach pain and diarrhea within 30 minutes to 2 hours. Usually recovers within a few days.
• Appearance: Cap 8–15 cm, yellow-brown to chestnut. Strong rancid, oily smell. White gills with brown spots on the edges.
• Where found: On the ground in mixed conifer and broadleaf forests; common in mountain forests nationwide.
• Season: Summer to autumn (July–October)
• Look-alike warning: Edible yellow-brown and other edible brittlegills (Russula).
• Emergency action: Call emergency services (119 in Korea) and go to the ER immediately. Watch for dehydration from nausea and vomiting; fluids may be needed.

Common questions

Can you eat Russula foetens?

No. Russula foetens is poisonous. Contains phenolic toxins. Nausea, vomiting, stomach pain and diarrhea within 30 minutes to 2 hours. Usually recovers within a few days.

What does Russula foetens look like and where does it grow?

Cap 8–15 cm, yellow-brown to chestnut. Strong rancid, oily smell. White gills with brown spots on the edges. On the ground in mixed conifer and broadleaf forests; common in mountain forests nationwide. Summer to autumn (July–October)

What can Russula foetens be mistaken for?

Edible yellow-brown and other edible brittlegills (Russula).

What should you do if someone eats Russula foetens?

Call emergency services (119 in Korea) and go to the ER immediately. Watch for dehydration from nausea and vomiting; fluids may be needed.