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Bearded milkcap

Lactarius pubescens

A species of Milk-caps, Also known as Woolly milk-cap

The bearded milkcap (Lactarius pubescens) unlike many other milk caps, has a shaggy margin along the edge of its cap, giving it a "bearded" appearance. Bearded milkcaps have an otherwise traditional milk cap structure, with a rounded cap, often upturned that has a dimple in its center. The species can be found across the temperate northern hemisphere and usually associates with birch trees.

Cap Diameter:

4 - 14 cm

Odor:

Faintly reminiscent of turpentine.

General Info About Bearded milkcap

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Attributes of Bearded milkcap

Cap Diameter

4 - 14 cm

Height

3 - 6 cm

Cap

Cap 2.5 - 10 cm wide; convex; white to cream, becoming reddish-orange; sticky and smooth when fresh, azonate; margin with coarse white hairs when young

Cap Shape

Convex, Depressed

Cap Surfaces

Fibrillose-scaly, Slimy or slightly sticky

Gills

Attached to shortly decurrent; crowded; whitish to pale yellow with pinkish tinges; slowly staining brownish ochraceous when bruised

Gill Attachment

Attached

Stem

Stem 2 - 7 cm long, 6 - 13 mm thick; nearly equal or tapered downward; whitish to ochraceous, pinkish; silky, becoming hollow with age, smooth

Stem Shapes

Tapering

Stem Surfaces

Smooth to slightly fibrous

Stem Cross Sections

Hollow or cottony hollow

Flesh

Firm; white

Ring

Ringless

Spore Print Color

Cream to pale ivory, occasionally with a faint salmon-pink tinge

Odor

Faintly reminiscent of turpentine.

Body Color

Brown

Red

White

Orange

Pink

Cream

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

You can find Bearded milkcap by these plants:

Paper birch, Pines, Spruces

Occurence Habitats

Deciduous Woodland

Species Status

Common all over temperate Europe

Endangered Species

How to Identify Bearded milkcap

Fruiting Body Cap Gills

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Habitat of Bearded milkcap

The bearded milkcap commonly appears in urban settings such as lawns, parks, heathlands, and damp grasslands, as well as in forests, always beneath birch trees. This fungus exists in a symbiotic relationship with a host tree’s roots, helping it absorb water and nutrients while the tree provides the fungus with sugars and amino acids. Fruitbodies grow up from the ground above the tree's roots.

Distribution Area of Bearded milkcap

North America,Europe,northern Asia;introduced in New Zealand

Scientific Classification of Bearded milkcap

Phylum

Club fungi

Class

Mushroom-forming fungi

Order

Russulales

Family

Russulaceae

Genus

Milk-caps

Toxicity and Edibility of Bearded milkcap

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Is Bearded milkcap Toxic?

Bearded milkcap is commonly found in moist seasonal woodlands. Its distinctly bearded cap can help differentiate it from non-toxic varieties. Consumption can lead to gastrointestinal issues, eyesight problems, movement disorders, and potential organ harm. It's crucial to avoid this mushroom due to its widespread adverse health implications.

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 Bearded milkcap

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Tips for Finding Bearded milkcap

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What are the Ideal Soil Conditions for Bearded milkcap

Prefers sandy soils under birch trees.

What are Some Tips for Finding Bearded milkcap

Search around young and ornamental birch trees, as bearded milkcap frequently appears beneath them.
Investigate well-watered areas in parks and lawns where birch trees are present.
Look for bearded milkcap growing in groups, which is a common growth pattern for this species.
Examine sandy soils under birch trees specifically, as bearded milkcap has a preference for this type of soil.