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Lactarius salmonicolor, commonly known as the Salmon Milky, is a species of fungus in the family Russulaceae. It produces moderately sized fruit bodies that are typically colored various shades of orange. It is found in coniferous forests and is associated with spruce trees.
How to Identify
- Cap
- The cap is convex to flattened, often with a central depression. The surface is smooth to slightly sticky when moist. The color is typically various shades of orange, sometimes with darker concentric zones.
- Gills
- The gills are adnate to slightly decurrent, crowded, and colored pale orange to salmon.
- Stem
- The stem is cylindrical, smooth, and colored similarly to the cap or paler.
- Flesh
- The flesh is firm and whitish to pale orange.
- Fruiting body
- The fruit body is medium-sized. The cap is convex to flattened, often with a central depression. The color is typically various shades of orange, sometimes with darker concentric zones. When damaged, it exudes a milky latex.
- Habitat
- Found in coniferous forests, particularly associated with spruce trees.
Key Facts
- Cap surfaces: Smooth to slightly sticky
- Growth Form: Mycorrhizal
- Spore Print: Cream to pale yellow
- Body color: Orange
- Odor: Mild
- Flesh bruises: Does not typically bruise
- Height: 4-8 cm
- Cap Diameter: 5-12 cm
- Nutrient gathering: Mycorrhizal
Safe
SafeGenerally considered edible, but some individuals may experience gastrointestinal upset. It is important to cook thoroughly.
Quick Check
- Odor: Mild and fungal.
- Fruiting: Late summer to autumn.
- Substrate: Soil under spruce trees.
Where to Find
Europe
Common in European coniferous forests.
North America
Occasionally found in North American forests with introduced spruce.
Finding Tips
Look Near Spruce
Search in areas with spruce trees, as this mushroom forms a mycorrhizal association with them.
Check After Rain
The Salmon Milky often fruits after periods of rain.
Similar Species
Woolly Milk Cap
mushroom
Also known as: Lactarius torminosus
Orange Milk Cap
mushroom
Also known as: Lactarius aurantiacus
Scientific Classification
- Phylum
- Basidiomycota
- Class
- Agaricomycetes
- Order
- Russulales
- Family
- Russulaceae
- Genus
- Lactarius
Storage Information
- Max Temperature: 25
- Freezing duration: N/A
- Min Temperature: 2
- Refrigeration: 3
How to Clean
Gently brush off any dirt or debris. Avoid washing unless necessary, and if so, dry immediately.
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