How to identify Orange-gilled Milkcap

To correctly identify Orange-gilled Milkcap (Lactifluus volemus), 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.

   Convex becoming depressed or funnel-shaped, 5-12 cm wide, orange-brown or reddish-brown.

2. 2

   Gills

   Attachment to stem, color, and spacing.

   Adnate to decurrent, crowded, cream to pale yellow, staining brown when bruised.

3. 3

   Stem

   Length, shape, surface, and any ring.

   Stout, 4-10 cm tall, solid, colored like the cap or slightly paler.

4. 4

   Flesh

   Color, texture, and bruising reaction.

   White, dense, and firm, exuding abundant white latex when damaged.

5. 5

   Fruiting body

   Overall growth pattern.

   Sturdy, firm, and medium-sized with a dry to slightly velvety cap.

6. 6

   Habitat

   Where it grows and on what substrate.

   Ectomycorrhizal with hardwoods (especially oak) and occasionally conifers, found on the ground in summer and fall.

Key Facts

Cap surfaces

Dry, smooth to minutely velvety

Growth Form

Solitary or scattered

Spore Print

White to pale yellow

Body color

Orange-brown to reddish-brown

Odor

Distinctively fishy

Flesh bruises

Bruises brown

Height

4-10 cm

Cap Diameter

5-12 cm

Fruit body characteristics

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

Explore Orange-gilled Milkcap