How to identify Salmon milky

To correctly identify Salmon milky (Lactarius salmonicolor), 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 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.

2. 2

   Gills

   Attachment to stem, color, and spacing.

   The gills are adnate to slightly decurrent, crowded, and colored pale orange to salmon.

3. 3

   Stem

   Length, shape, surface, and any ring.

   The stem is cylindrical, smooth, and colored similarly to the cap or paler.

4. 4

   Flesh

   Color, texture, and bruising reaction.

   The flesh is firm and whitish to pale orange.

5. 5

   Fruiting body

   Overall growth pattern.

   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.

6. 6

   Habitat

   Where it grows and on what substrate.

   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

Fruit body characteristics

• Gill attachment: Adnate to slightly decurrent
• Stem shape: Cylindrical
• Stem surface: Smooth
• Ring: Absent
• Stem cross-section: Solid

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