Russula heterophylla appears in summer to early autumn, usually growing in small groups.

Brittlegills, such as Russula heterophylla, R. aeruginea, and R. virescens, can be distinguished by their brittle flesh and the lack of both volva and ring.

The edible wild mushroom Russula heterophylla, that has lately been given the common name of the greasy green brittlegill is placed in the Russula genus, the members of which are mostly known as brittlegills.