Russula aurea is found in Europe and is uncommon in Britain.

Unlike many other red-capped members of the genus, Russula aurea is mild-tasting and edible.

However, the binomial name Russula aurea had been coined by Christian Hendrik Persoon in 1796 and takes precedence.

Russula aurea, commonly known as the gilded brittlegill, is an uncommon species of mushroom found in deciduous woodland in Europe in summer and early autumn.