Identification
Conical-to-flat pinkish-beige cap, fibrous, margin splitting; flesh whitish, turning pink-red where cut. Gills pale → brownish. Appears already in spring — when it is confused with St George's mushroom and young russulas.
Why it is dangerous
Contains muscarine, which overstimulates the parasympathetic system: sweating, salivation, tearing, slowed pulse, constricted pupils — within 15–120 minutes of eating. Severe cases need atropine; untreated poisonings can be fatal.
In practice
- No small fibrous "russula-like" mushrooms that redden at the break.
- Muscarinic picture (sweat + saliva + constricted pupils) after mushrooms — emergency care immediately.