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Lactarius subdulcis, commonly known as the Apricot Milk Cap, is a small to medium-sized mushroom characterized by its apricot color and the milky latex it exudes when damaged. It is found in deciduous woodlands and is generally considered edible, though not particularly flavorful.
How to Identify
- Cap
- The cap is convex to flattened, often with a central depression. The color is typically apricot to tan, sometimes with a slightly darker center. The surface is smooth and can be slightly sticky when moist.
- Gills
- The gills are adnate to slightly decurrent, closely spaced, and pale cream to apricot in color. When damaged, the gills exude a white milky latex that does not change color.
- Stem
- The stem is slender, cylindrical, and typically the same color as the cap or slightly paler. It is smooth and hollow.
- Flesh
- The flesh is thin and pale, with a mild odor.
- Fruiting body
- The fruiting body is typically small to medium-sized, with a cap ranging from 2 to 7 cm in diameter.
- Habitat
- Lactarius subdulcis is found in deciduous woodlands, particularly under beech and oak trees. It is a mycorrhizal fungus, forming a symbiotic relationship with the roots of trees.
Key Facts
- Cap surfaces: Smooth, slightly sticky when moist
- Growth Form: Mycorrhizal
- Spore Print: Cream to pale yellow
- Body color: Apricot to tan
- Odor: Mild
- Flesh bruises: Does not typically bruise
- Height: 2-6 cm
- Cap Diameter: 2-7 cm
- Nutrient gathering: Mycorrhizal
Safe
SafeLactarius subdulcis is generally considered edible, but it is not highly regarded due to its mild flavor. Some individuals may experience gastrointestinal upset.
Quick Check
- Odor: Mild, indistinct
- Fruiting: Summer to Autumn
- Substrate: Decaying Leaf Litter
Where to Find
Deciduous Woodlands
Prefers areas under beech and oak trees.
Europe
Commonly found throughout Europe.
Finding Tips
Look Under Beech Trees
Focus your search in areas with a high concentration of beech trees.
Check After Rain
These mushrooms often appear after periods of rain.
Similar Species
Lactarius quietus
mushroom
Also known as: Oak Milk Cap
Lactarius hepaticus
mushroom
Also known as: Liver Milk Cap
Scientific Classification
- Phylum
- Basidiomycota
- Class
- Agaricomycetes
- Order
- Russulales
- Family
- Russulaceae
- Genus
- Lactarius
Storage Information
- Max Temperature: 2
- Freezing duration: 3 months
- Min Temperature: -4
- Refrigeration: 3 days
How to Clean
Gently brush off any dirt or debris. Avoid washing unless necessary, and if you do, dry them thoroughly.
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