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Lactarius vellereus, commonly known as the fleecy milk-cap, is a large white or cream-colored mushroom with a velvety cap surface and closely spaced gills. It exudes a white latex when damaged, and has a hot, peppery taste. It is found in deciduous and coniferous woods, forming mycorrhizal associations with trees.
How to Identify
- Cap
- The cap is typically 7-25 cm in diameter, convex to flattened, sometimes with a shallow depression. The surface is dry and velvety, white to cream-colored, and may become yellowish with age. The margin is inrolled when young and becomes wavy or lobed.
- Gills
- The gills are closely spaced, adnate to slightly decurrent, and white to cream-colored. They may stain brownish when bruised.
- Stem
- The stem is stout, short, and cylindrical, measuring 3-8 cm long and 2-4 cm thick. It is white to cream-colored and has a dry surface.
- Flesh
- The flesh is thick, firm, and white.
- Fruiting body
- The fruiting body is large and fleshy.
- Habitat
- Found in deciduous and coniferous woods, forming mycorrhizal associations with trees.
Key Facts
- Cap surfaces: Dry, velvety
- Growth Form: Mycorrhizal
- Spore Print: White to cream
- Body color: White to cream
- Odor: Mild
- Flesh bruises: May stain brownish
- Height: 3-8 cm
- Cap Diameter: 7-25 cm
- Nutrient gathering: Mycorrhizal
Safe
Mild ToxicityThe Fleecy Milk-cap is generally considered edible, but it has a very hot, peppery taste when raw. This acridity usually disappears upon cooking. Some individuals may experience gastrointestinal upset even after cooking.
Quick Check
- Odor: Mild, not distinctive
- Fruiting: Late summer to autumn
- Substrate: Soil, associated with trees
Where to Find
North America
Common in eastern North America.
Europe
Widespread throughout Europe.
Finding Tips
Look in wooded areas
Search for these mushrooms in deciduous and coniferous forests, especially under oak and beech trees.
Check after rain
They often appear after periods of rain.
Similar Species
Lactarius piperatus
Lactarius
Also known as: Peppery Milk-cap
Lactarius pubescens
Lactarius
Also known as: Downy Milk-cap
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
Clean the Fleecy Milk-cap by brushing off any dirt or debris. Avoid washing unless necessary, as they can become waterlogged. If washing, do so quickly and pat dry.
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