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Lactifluus rufus, commonly known as the Rufous Milkcap, is a medium-sized mushroom characterized by its reddish-brown cap and the milky latex it exudes when cut. It is typically found in coniferous forests and is considered edible, though not highly regarded due to its often bitter taste.
How to Identify
- Cap
- The cap is typically 4-10 cm in diameter, convex to flattened, often with a central depression (depressed). The color is reddish-brown to rusty-brown, and the surface is smooth to slightly wrinkled.
- Gills
- The gills are adnate to slightly decurrent, crowded, and pale reddish-brown in color. They may stain brownish where damaged.
- Stem
- The stem is typically 3-7 cm long and 1-2 cm thick, cylindrical or slightly tapering towards the base. The color is similar to the cap, and the surface is smooth to slightly hairy.
- Flesh
- The flesh is firm and brittle, with a pale reddish-brown color. When cut, it exudes a white to cream-colored latex that may turn slightly yellowish upon exposure to air.
- Fruiting body
- The fruiting body of Lactifluus rufus is a mushroom with a reddish-brown cap and a stem. When damaged, it exudes a milky latex.
- Habitat
- Lactifluus rufus is commonly found in coniferous forests, often associated with pine trees. It typically fruits in late summer and autumn.
Key Facts
- Cap surfaces: Smooth to slightly wrinkled
- Growth Form: Mycorrhizal
- Spore Print: Cream to pale yellow
- Body color: Reddish-brown
- Odor: Indistinct or slightly fruity
- Flesh bruises: Latex may turn slightly yellowish
- Height: 3-7 cm
- Cap Diameter: 4-10 cm
- Nutrient gathering: Mycorrhizal
Safe
SafeLactifluus rufus is generally considered edible, but it can have a bitter or acrid taste, especially when raw. Cooking may improve the flavor, but it is not considered a choice edible mushroom.
Quick Check
- Odor: Indistinct or slightly fruity
- Fruiting: Late summer to autumn
- Substrate: Coniferous forest floor, often under pine trees
Where to Find
Europe
Common throughout Europe, especially in coniferous forests.
North America
Found in some regions of North America, particularly in areas with similar coniferous habitats.
Finding Tips
Look in Pine Forests
Search under pine trees in late summer and autumn.
Check for Latex
Break the gills or stem to check for the characteristic milky latex.
Similar Species
Woolly Milkcap
mushroom
Also known as: Lactarius torminosus
Peppery Milkcap
mushroom
Also known as: Lactarius piperatus
Scientific Classification
- Phylum
- Basidiomycota
- Class
- Agaricomycetes
- Order
- Russulales
- Family
- Russulaceae
- Genus
- Lactifluus
Storage Information
- Max Temperature: 20
- Freezing duration: 3 months
- Min Temperature: 2
- Refrigeration: 3 days
How to Clean
Clean Lactifluus rufus by gently brushing off any dirt or debris. Avoid soaking in water, as they can become waterlogged. A soft brush or a damp cloth works best.
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