How to identify Milk-white Russula

To correctly identify Milk-white Russula (Russula lactea), 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.

   The cap is 5-15 cm in diameter, initially convex, becoming broadly convex to flat, often with a depressed center. The margin is usually inrolled when young, expanding with age. The surface is dry, smooth, and unpolished, chalk-white to cream-white, sometimes developing yellowish or brownish stains with age or handling. The cuticle is not easily peelable.

2. 2

   Gills

   Attachment to stem, color, and spacing.

   The gills are adnate to slightly decurrent, crowded, broad, and brittle. They are pure white, sometimes developing a creamy tint with age. There are numerous lamellulae (short gills).

3. 3

   Stem

   Length, shape, surface, and any ring.

   The stem is 3-8 cm long and 1-3 cm thick, central, cylindrical or slightly tapering towards the base, solid, and firm. The surface is dry, smooth, and chalk-white, often staining yellowish or brownish with age or handling. It lacks a ring or volva.

4. 4

   Flesh

   Color, texture, and bruising reaction.

   The flesh is thick, firm, brittle, and white throughout. It does not change color when cut or bruised. The taste is mild, and the odor is indistinct.

5. 5

   Fruiting body

   Overall growth pattern.

   The fruiting body is entirely white, robust, and typically grows solitarily or scattered.

6. 6

   Habitat

   Where it grows and on what substrate.

   Russula lactea is a mycorrhizal species, typically found growing on the ground in deciduous and coniferous forests, often associated with oak (Quercus), beech (Fagus), and pine (Pinus). It prefers well-drained, often calcareous soils.

Key Facts

Cap surfaces

Dry, smooth, unpolished

Growth Form

Solitary to scattered

Spore Print

White to cream

Body color

Chalk-white throughout

Odor

Indistinct

Flesh bruises

No color change

Height

3-8 cm

Cap Diameter

5-15 cm

Fruit body characteristics

• Gill attachment: Adnate to slightly decurrent
• Stem shape: Cylindrical or slightly tapering towards base
• Stem surface: Dry, smooth
• Ring: Absent
• Stem cross-section: Solid

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