Got a photo? Identify mushrooms instantly with the Mushby app
Open the appDescription
Lactarius rufus, commonly known as the Rufous Milkcap, is a medium-sized mushroom characterized by its reddish-brown cap and the milky latex it exudes when damaged. It is commonly found in coniferous forests and is known for its peppery taste.
How to Identify
- Cap
- The cap is typically 4-10 cm in diameter, reddish-brown to rusty-brown, and often has a slightly depressed center. The surface is smooth and dry, and the margin is initially incurved, becoming straight with age.
- Gills
- The gills are adnate to slightly decurrent, crowded, and pale reddish-brown. When damaged, they exude a white latex that may stain brownish.
- Stem
- The stem is cylindrical, 4-8 cm long, and 1-2 cm thick. It is typically the same color as the cap or slightly paler, and the surface is smooth.
- Flesh
- The flesh is firm and whitish to pale reddish-brown. It has a peppery taste.
- Fruiting body
- The fruiting body of Lactarius rufus is a mushroom with a convex to flattened cap and a cylindrical stem. When damaged, it exudes a milky latex.
- Habitat
- Lactarius rufus is commonly found in coniferous forests, often associated with pine trees. It grows on the ground, typically in mossy or needle-covered areas.
Key Facts
- Cap surfaces: Smooth, dry
- Growth Form: Mycorrhizal
- Spore Print: Cream to pale yellow
- Body color: Reddish-brown
- Odor: Indistinct
- Flesh bruises: No significant bruising
- Height: 4-8 cm
- Cap Diameter: 4-10 cm
- Nutrient gathering: Mycorrhizal
Safe
SafeLactarius rufus is generally considered edible, but it has a peppery taste that may be unpalatable to some people. It is not known to contain any significant toxins.
Quick Check
- Odor: Indistinct or slightly fruity
- Fruiting: Late summer to autumn
- Substrate: Ground in coniferous forests
Where to Find
Coniferous Forests
Lactarius rufus is commonly found in coniferous forests, particularly those dominated by pine trees.
Northern Hemisphere
This species is widespread throughout the Northern Hemisphere, including Europe, North America, and Asia.
Finding Tips
Look Near Pine Trees
Search for Lactarius rufus in areas with a high density of pine trees, as it forms mycorrhizal associations with them.
Check Mossy Areas
Examine mossy or needle-covered areas on the forest floor, as these are common habitats for this mushroom.
Similar Species
Woolly Milkcap
mushroom
Also known as: Lactarius torminosus
Fleecy Milk-cap
mushroom
Also known as: Lactarius vellereus
Scientific Classification
- Phylum
- Basidiomycota
- Class
- Agaricomycetes
- Order
- Russulales
- Family
- Russulaceae
- Genus
- Lactarius
Storage Information
- Max Temperature: 4°C
- Freezing duration: 3 months
- Min Temperature: 2°C
- Refrigeration: 1 week
How to Clean
To clean Lactarius rufus, gently brush off any dirt or debris from the cap and stem. Avoid washing them unless necessary, as they can become waterlogged. If washing is required, do so quickly and pat them dry immediately.
Explore Rufous Milkcap
Identify mushrooms anywhere
Free on iOS, Android, and Web. Photo identification, full database, and your personal collection.