
Purple-bloom Russula - Russula mariae
Stunning mushroom with a pinkish purple, cap with striate margin, covered in white bloom. The stem was pink and gills were cream-colored. Cap size was approximately 7 cm diameter. The cap and stem were very soft, smooth, and dry to the touch.
Habitat: Growing on the edge of a meadow, in a grassy area.

This gorgeous Russula is common under oaks in eastern North America. It has a purple cap that is covered with a white dusting or "bloom," and its stem is flushed with a paler version of the cap color. The spore print is cream colored to pale yellow, and the taste is mild or slightly oily and unpleasant.