How to identify The Blistered Milkcap

To correctly identify The Blistered Milkcap (Lactarius turpis), 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.

   Cap is convex to flattened, often with a central depression. It is typically brown to olive-brown, with a sticky surface when moist. The cap surface is often uneven or wrinkled.

2. 2

   Gills

   Attachment to stem, color, and spacing.

   Gills are crowded, decurrent, and cream to pale ochre in color. They stain brown when bruised.

3. 3

   Stem

   Length, shape, surface, and any ring.

   The stem is short, stout, and pale brown in color. It is often sticky or slimy.

4. 4

   Flesh

   Color, texture, and bruising reaction.

   The flesh is firm and whitish, staining brown when cut or bruised.

5. 5

   Fruiting body

   Overall growth pattern.

   Medium to large size mushroom with a distinctive cap and latex.

6. 6

   Habitat

   Where it grows and on what substrate.

   Found in coniferous and deciduous forests, often near birch trees.

Key Facts

Cap surfaces

Sticky when moist, often wrinkled

Growth Form

Solitary to scattered

Spore Print

Cream to pale ochre

Body color

Brown to olive-brown

Odor

Indistinct or slightly unpleasant

Flesh bruises

Stains brown

Height

3-8 cm

Cap Diameter

5-20 cm

Fruit body characteristics

• Gill attachment: Decurrent to slightly adnate
• Stem shape: Cylindrical or tapering slightly upwards
• Stem surface: Smooth or slightly sticky
• Ring: Absent
• Stem cross-section: Solid

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