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Fenugreek milkcap

Lactarius helvus

A species of Milk-caps

Fenugreek milkcap (Lactarius helvus) is a damp-loving mushroom that grows mainly in sphagnum moss. This is a toxic mushroom known for its curry-like or burned maple syrup odor. Its common name Fenugreek milkcap refers to its strong aroma which resembles that of the pungent Indian spice fenugreek.

Cap Diameter:

3 - 13 cm

Odor:

Reminiscent of curry or burned maple syrup.

General Info About Fenugreek milkcap

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Attributes of Fenugreek milkcap

Cap Diameter

3 - 13 cm

Height

3 - 10 cm

Cap

Cap 3 - 13 cm; convex, flat; light brown; smooth or finely velvety, becoming rough or sub-scaly, dry; with an even margin

Cap Shape

Convex, Flat, Depressed, Central Bump

Cap Surfaces

Smooth, Velvety, Fibrillose-scaly

Gills

Attached; close; whitish to dirty yellowish

Gill Attachment

Decurrent

Stem

Stem 3 - 10 cm long, up to 2 cm thick; equal; frequently orangish, pinkish, or orangish brown; smooth or very finely velvety when young, dry

Stem Shapes

Cylindrical

Stem Surfaces

Smooth

Stem Cross Sections

Hollow or cottony hollow

Flesh

Pale pinkish or pale brownish, becoming dingy with age; not staining on exposure

Ring

Ringless

Spore Print Color

Creamy white to pale orangish yellow

Odor

Reminiscent of curry or burned maple syrup.

Body Color

Brown

Orange

Pink

Flesh Bruises

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

Flesh exude liquid when injured

Yes

Growth Form

Scattered, Gregarious

Nutrient Gathering

Mycorrhizal

Substrate

On soil, Mosses

You can find Fenugreek milkcap by these plants:

Firs, Spruces, Pines

Occurence Habitats

Coniferous Woodland, Deciduous Woodland

Species Status

Widely distributed and fairly common in northeastern North America

Endangered Species

How to Identify Fenugreek milkcap

Fruiting Body Cap Flesh

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Habitat of Fenugreek milkcap

Fenugreek milkcap typically grow in wet, boggy areas with a presence of sphagnum moss. They are associated with conifers and occasionally birch trees.

Scientific Classification of Fenugreek milkcap

Phylum

Club fungi

Class

Mushroom-forming fungi

Order

Russulales

Family

Russulaceae

Genus

Milk-caps

Toxicity and Edibility of Fenugreek milkcap

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Is Fenugreek milkcap Toxic?

Fenugreek milkcap contains gastrointestinal toxins. Ingested, it may trigger nausea, vomiting, cramps, diarrhea, and in severe cases vision problems, movement disorders, and possible organ damage. Although it's true characteristics like habitat, conditions, and season of collect are important for identification, it's advisable to avoid consumption as distinguishing non-toxic varieties is challenging without expert knowledge.

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 Fenugreek milkcap

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Tips for Finding Fenugreek milkcap

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What are the Ideal Soil Conditions for Fenugreek milkcap

Moist, acidic, sphagnum-rich soils.

What are Some Tips for Finding Fenugreek milkcap

Search in boggy or marshy woodlands where conifer trees and sphagnum moss are abundant.
Look around the base of conifer trees, as fenugreek milkcap form relationships with these trees.
Investigate areas with visibly moist soil and decaying plant material, which provide a conducive environment for fenugreek milkcap.
Gently move aside sphagnum moss and other ground foliage to uncover fenugreek milkcap specimens that may be hidden.
Visit potential habitats multiple times, as fenugreek milkcap can appear at different stages of the sphagnum moss lifecycle.