How to identify Saffron Milk Cap

To correctly identify Saffron Milk Cap (Lactarius deliciosus), check each of these features in order. Misidentification is the most common cause of mushroom poisoning, so cross-reference multiple sources.

Step-by-step identification

1. 1

   Cap

   Shape, color, surface texture, and diameter.

   The cap is convex when young, later flattening out and sometimes developing a shallow depression. The surface is smooth and slightly sticky when moist, and it often has concentric zones of lighter and darker orange shades.

2. 2

   Gills

   Attachment to stem, color, and spacing.

   The gills are crowded, decurrent (running down the stem), and orange in color. They may stain greenish where damaged.

3. 3

   Stem

   Length, shape, surface, and any ring.

   The stem is short, stout, and cylindrical, typically measuring 3 to 8 cm in length and 1 to 2 cm in diameter. It is usually the same color as the cap or slightly paler and may have small pits or spots.

4. 4

   Flesh

   Color, texture, and bruising reaction.

   The flesh is firm and orange. When cut or bruised, it exudes an orange to reddish-orange latex (milk).

5. 5

   Fruiting body

   Overall growth pattern.

   The fruiting body is typically medium-sized, with a cap that ranges from 4 to 14 cm in diameter. The entire mushroom, including the cap, stem, and gills, is usually some shade of orange.

6. 6

   Habitat

   Where it grows and on what substrate.

   Lactarius deliciosus is found in coniferous forests, particularly under pine trees. It forms mycorrhizal associations with the roots of these trees. It typically fruits in late summer and autumn.

Key Facts

Cap surfaces

Smooth, slightly sticky when moist

Growth Form

Mycorrhizal

Spore Print

Cream to pale yellow

Body color

Orange

Odor

Faintly fruity or mushroomy

Flesh bruises

Orange latex turns greenish

Height

3-8 cm

Cap Diameter

4-14 cm

Fruit body characteristics

• Gill attachment: Decurrent
• Stem shape: Cylindrical
• Stem surface: Smooth or slightly pitted
• Ring: Absent
• Stem cross-section: Solid

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