Lactarius deterrimus
False Saffron Milkcap
Status:
Common where its host occurs.
Pertaining to milk.
Cap:
5-12cm
Stem:
2-8cm
Meaning very poor.
Description
A common species where Spruce (Picea) occurs, when young some specimens can be intensely orange but often tinged green, more noticable in older specimens, giving them an impression of algae growing on them. There are other orange species of Milkcap and you should note what species of tree it is likely to be growing with.
Spores
7-10 x 6.5-9µ,
Smell
Nothing distinctive.
Season
Late summer to early winter.
Habitat & Distribution
Common where Spruce (Picea) occurs. Especially common on forestry land where Spruce is often planted for timber.
Edibility
Edible and good. Despite the species name of 'very poor' it is still a decent eating mushroom, but not as good its more famous relative the Saffron Milkcap (Lactarius delicious).
Spore Print Colour
Pale ochre/buff.
Confusion Species
There are a number of other orange coloured Milkcaps, take note of the tree species it is likely to be growing with and also any colour changes to the milk or flesh after 10 minutes or so.
The Saffron Milkcap (Lactarius delicious) grows with Pine (Pinus), it often has a pitted stem.
Lactarius semisanguifluus mainly grows on alkaline soil with Pine (Pinus) and is rare. The flesh and milk both stain a vinaceous colour after around 10 minutes.
Lactarius salmonicolor grows with Fir (Abies) and is quite rare. It is a bright species with no greening.