Spore-print: pure white.
Commonly accompanying beech, even individual trees in gardens.
R. nigricans (Mérat) Fries Blackening russula
Cap: width 75-200 mm. Stem: width 15-35 mm; length 25-75 mm.
Cap: cream-coloured then flushed sooty brown, finally black as if scorched by proximity to bonfire.
Stem: white then dark brown.
Gills: pale ochre reddening when bruised, thick and very distant.
Flesh: white slowly dull red on cutting then brown and finally changing soot-colour after some time.
Spore-print: white.
Common in deciduous woods.