A stout, firm woodwax that resembles a Russula, with a pinkish-red cap that is often streaked or mottled and frequently bruises yellow. Its whitish gills develop reddish spots. It grows with oaks and other hardwoods, sometimes in arcs or fairy rings.
Edible, though sources disagree on its quality (Wikipedia). It is separated from Russula species, which it resembles, by its firm, non-brittle flesh. It is often parasitized by a whitish mold over the gills; avoid such specimens.
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Habitat
Ectomycorrhizal with oaks and other hardwoods; scattered or gregarious, sometimes in arcs or rings; late summer and fall in the east, later on the West Coast, and over winter in warm climates.
Distribution
Europe, Russia, North America, Japan and Korea. In North America more common in the east than the west.
Characteristics
Cap: 4-13 cm, convex becoming flat or shallowly depressed; sticky when fresh but drying quickly; reddish to pinkish, often streaked, spotted or mosaic-patterned; often bruising yellow near the margin; margin inrolled and cottony at first. Gills: broadly attached to slightly decurrent, close to nearly distant, creamy white becoming red-spotted or pinkish. Stem: 3-7 cm long, 1-2 cm thick, solid, white then flushed with cap colors. Flesh: thick, firm, white or pinkish, not brittle. Odor and taste: not distinctive. Chemical reaction: KOH grayish to olive on the cap. Spore print: white. Spores: 7-9 x 3-5 um, ellipsoid, smooth, inamyloid (MushroomExpert).
