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Photo By Barge EG, Cripps CL

Lactarius controversus

A species of Milk-caps

Blushing milkcap (Lactarius controversus) is so named because of the blushing pink color of its gills and the pink edges of its white cap. The name milkcap refers to the white milky sap that is produced when the mushroom is damaged. Lactarius controversus usually lives in a symbiotic relationship with aspens and willows. It is known for its rather firm flesh.

Cap Diameter:

6 - 31 cm

Odor:

Mildly mushroomy but not distinctive.

General Info About Lactarius controversus

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Attributes of Lactarius controversus

Cap Diameter

6 - 31 cm

Height

3 - 12 cm

Cap

Cap 7 - 30 cm; at first convex, flat, or vase-shaped; whitish; slimy to sticky when fresh, soon dry; with an inrolled, slightly hairy margin

Cap Shape

Convex, Flat, Depressed

Cap Surfaces

Slimy or slightly sticky, Fibrillose-scaly

Gills

Attached; close or nearly crowded; pinkish to pale pink

Gill Attachment

Attached

Stem

Stem 2.5 - 10 cm long, 1.5 - 4 cm thick; equal, or tapering to the base; whitish; sticky when fresh, soon dry, bald, eventually becoming hollow

Stem Shapes

Cylindrical

Stem Surfaces

Smooth

Flesh

Fairly firm; white; unchanging on exposure

Ring

Ringless

Spore Print Color

Creamy white, pale pinkish

Odor

Mildly mushroomy but not distinctive.

Body Color

White

Purple

Pink

Flesh Bruises

The flesh or milk does not discolor when bruised or cut.

Flesh exude liquid when injured

Yes

Growth Form

Solitary, Gregarious

Nutrient Gathering

Mycorrhizal

Substrate

On soil

You can find Lactarius controversus by these plants:

Quaking aspen, Big-tooth aspen, Eastern cottonwood, Populus, Willows, European aspen

Occurence Habitats

Deciduous Woodland, Mixed Woodland

Species Status

Widely distributed in northern and montane North America

Endangered Species

How to Identify Lactarius controversus

Fruiting Body Cap Gills

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Habitat of Lactarius controversus

Lactarius controversus typically resides in environments where Populus and Salix are present, often flourishing in areas where these trees are abundant.

Uses of Lactarius controversus

Lactarius controversus is a mushroom appreciated for its culinary uses. This species becomes available seasonally and is often sought after by foragers. While lactarius controversus is edible, it's essential for consumers to correctly identify and prepare it to avoid confusion with similar toxic varieties. It holds moderate popularity among edible mushrooms but isn't widely cultivated commercially. Lactarius controversus's practical value lies primarily in traditional cooking where it adds flavor to various dishes.

Scientific Classification of Lactarius controversus

Phylum

Club fungi

Class

Mushroom-forming fungi

Order

Russulales

Family

Russulaceae

Genus

Milk-caps

Toxicity and Edibility of Lactarius controversus

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Is Lactarius controversus Toxic?

Lactarius controversus is a mushroom with associated gastrointestinal toxicity, causing distress like nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. Severe cases can manifest as vision issues, movement disorders, or potential kidney and liver damage. Lactarius controversus is identifiable by its distinct physical features; however, it should not be consumed due to potential harmful effects.

Toxins type

Terpenoid

Type of poisoning

Gastrointestinal

Toxic Severity

Moderate toxicity

Incubation Period

0.5-4 hours

Poisoning Symptoms

Common symptoms include gastrointestinal distress, characterized by nausea, vomiting, cramps, and diarrhea.

In more severe cases, poisoning can lead to issues beyond the digestive system, such as vision problems, movement disorders like tremors or ataxia, and potential damage to vital organs like the liver and kidneys.

Similar Species to Lactarius controversus

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Bearded milkcap

Similar Species

Lactarius controversus

Confusing Aspects of Bearded milkcap and Lactarius controversus?

Lactarius controversus and Bearded milkcap are mistaken for each other due to their similar white to pale color, large size, and the production of a milky latex when damaged.

How to Differentiate Between Bearded milkcap and Lactarius controversus?

Lactarius controversus: The cap is often sticky to slimy when moist.

Bearded milkcap: The cap is dry and hairy.

Lactarius controversus: Gills are pinkish.

Bearded milkcap: Gills are white to faintly tinged salmon pink.

Rollrim milkcap

Similar Species

Lactarius controversus

Confusing Aspects of Rollrim milkcap and Lactarius controversus?

Lactarius controversus and Rollrim milkcap are mistaken for each other due to their similar white to pale color, large size, and the production of a milky latex when damaged.

How to Differentiate Between Rollrim milkcap and Lactarius controversus?

Lactarius controversus: The cap surface is smooth.

Rollrim milkcap: The cap surface usually has hair-like scales, especially at the margin.

Fleecy milk-cap

Similar Species

Lactarius controversus

Confusing Aspects of Fleecy milk-cap and Lactarius controversus?

Lactarius controversus and Fleecy milk-cap are mistaken for each other due to their similar white to pale color, large size, and the production of a milky latex when damaged.

How to Differentiate Between Fleecy milk-cap and Lactarius controversus?

Lactarius controversus: Gills are pinkish.

Fleecy milk-cap: Gills are white.

Tips for Finding Lactarius controversus

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When is the Best Time to Find Lactarius controversus

Search for lactarius controversus during late summer to autumn. They tend to appear after periods of rain, when morning temperatures are cool and the air is moist.

What are the Ideal Soil Conditions for Lactarius controversus

Moist, well-drained soil.

What are Some Tips for Finding Lactarius controversus

Investigate areas around aspens and willows, as lactarius controversus commonly associates with these trees.
Search in locations where the ground is damp and well-drained, as this is preferable for lactarius controversus.
Look for lactarius controversus in both solitary settings and clusters, as they do not have a specific growth pattern.
Explore woods and forests thoroughly by moving slowly and scanning the forest floor for the distinctive features of lactarius controversus.
Check for lactarius controversus consistently throughout areas with suitable habitat characteristics, as they can appear in large troops.

How to Clean and Preserve Lactarius controversus

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How to Clean Lactarius controversus

To clean lactarius controversus, give them a brief rinse without soaking. Use a large bowl of water, lightly toss lactarius controversus to dislodge dirt which settles at the bottom, then promptly remove and pat dry. Avoid prolonged water exposure to prevent lactarius controversus from becoming waterlogged.

Tips on Dry Preservation of Lactarius controversus

Drying Methods

Dehydrator Drying, Oven Drying, Air Drying

Drying Duration

6 - 12 months

Store in airtight containers, in cool, dark, and low-humidity conditions to maintain quality.

Dehydrator drying: Controlled low-temperature drying retains quality, preventing spoilage due to high moisture content.

Oven drying: A quicker method, setting the oven at a low temperature can effectively reduce moisture.

Air drying: Best suited in arid climates; mushrooms should be sliced and spaced to promote airflow.

Tips on Freezing Preservation of Lactarius controversus

Freezing Methods

Blanching Before Freezing

Freezing Duration

3 - 12 months

Blanching before freezing: Blanch for 2-3 minutes then cool and store to preserve texture.

Tips on Refrigeration Preservation of Lactarius controversus

Refrigerating Methods

Paper Bag Storage, Cloth Wrapping, Perforated Plastic Bag Storage

Temperature

2 - 4 ℃

Refrigerating Humidity

90 - 95 %

Refrigerating Duration

3 - 7 days

Paper Bag Storage: Store in paper bags to allow airflow and prevent moisture buildup, reducing spoilage risk.

Cloth Wrapping: Encase in breathable cloth towels to absorb excess moisture, maintaining texture and longevity.

Perforated Plastic Bag Storage: Use perforated plastic bags to balance humidity control with some air circulation.

Common Questions People Also Ask

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