RE: The Amateur Mycologist - Random Find - An Obscure Russula - In Depth Analysis Points Towards Possible Russula redolens - Less Likely R.parazurea
Russulas are difficult to ID without a proper key for that particular Genus (which I don’t have) and without being really familiar with them (which I’m not).
As always, you’ve done a really good job describing your specimen and by inputting those details (grayish cap, cuticle peeling ¾ of radius, white stem, cap diameter around 10 cm, mild taste, white to palest-cream spore print) into an online key for Russulas we get 4 potential candidates apparently).
Of all the candidates, the more promising one is Russula redolens (if it was, the flesh should smell “fishy” or like Parsley apparently).
I’d be inclined to think it’s R. redolens rather than R. parazurea, but there are accounts of the latter species being found in North America.
Edit: I forgot to add the comment about the "fishy" or "Parsley-like" smell of R. redolens
The main problem is the lack of any odor - but otherwise that looks very convincing. I wish there had been an older one as well.
Given the geographical issues with parazurea, I was always a bit dubious. Given the circumstances I might lean closer to redolens now. Having it down to two possibilities as a single Russula is more than satisfactory compared to my normal success rate.
More importantly, I am bookmarking the key you used. I used mostly mycokey, but it tends to orient toward Europe.
Edit: I ran the features through mycokey and got a host of Russulas but redolens didn't come ups to orient toward Europe.
Edit 2: I ran the features through mycokey again and redolens was not was no where on the list. They are quite Eurocentric I think
Edit 3: Your comments are always super assiduous - and I know they take time to research and leave - which is why I wanted to drop a randowhale on this one, but apparently the service doesn't work on comments :(
Edit 4: And the same for minnowbooster apparently - well...I will find an opportunity
I'm walking to work today and what do I find but another of these mushrooms, this time more mature. This pretty much seals the deal for me that it is R.redolens, even without a parsley smell.