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The Orange Lactarius is a common mushroom found in deciduous forests. It is a member of the Russulaceae family and is known for its bright orange cap and milky sap. The mushroom is edible but can be bitter and should be cooked before eating.
How to Identify
- Cap
- The cap is convex and can be up to 10 cm in diameter. It is bright orange and has a smooth, slightly sticky surface.
- Gills
- The gills are close together and are attached to the stem. They are white or cream-colored and may have a slight orange tinge.
- Stem
- The stem is cylindrical and can be up to 8 cm tall. It is white or cream-colored and may have a slight orange tinge.
- Flesh
- The flesh is white and firm. It has a mild, slightly bitter taste.
- Fruiting body
- The fruiting body is a mushroom with a cap and stem.
- Habitat
- The mushroom grows in deciduous forests, especially near oak and beech trees.
Key Facts
- Cap surfaces: Smooth, slightly sticky
- Growth Form: Solitary or in groups
- Spore Print: Cream-colored
- Body color: Orange
- Odor: Mild, slightly fruity
- Flesh bruises: Does not bruise
- Height: 3-8 cm
- Cap Diameter: 2-10 cm
- Nutrient gathering: Mycorrhizal
Safe
SafeThe Orange Lactarius is edible but can be bitter and should be cooked before eating.
Quick Check
- Odor: Mild, slightly fruity
- Fruiting: Late summer and early fall
- Substrate: Deciduous forests
Where to Find
Deciduous Forests
Deciduous forests
Finding Tips
Finding Orange Lactarius
Look for the mushroom in deciduous forests, especially near oak and beech trees.
Fruiting Season
The mushroom typically fruits in the late summer and early fall.
Similar Species
Saffron Milk Cap
Lactarius deliciosus
Also known as: Saffron Milk Cap
Scientific Classification
- Phylum
- Basidiomycota
- Class
- Agaricomycetes
- Order
- Russulales
- Family
- Russulaceae
- Genus
- Lactarius
Storage Information
- Max Temperature: 5°C (41°F)
- Freezing duration: N/A
- Min Temperature: 0°C (32°F)
- Refrigeration: 3-5 days
How to Clean
Clean the mushroom by brushing off any dirt or debris. You can also wipe the cap with a damp cloth.
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