Home > Rufous candy cap

Rufous candy cap

Lactarius rufulus

A species of Milk-caps, Also known as Candy cap

The rufous candy cap (Lactarius rufulus) has one uniquely memorable trait; when the cap's tissue is bruised or injured, a milky sap will ooze forth, making the cap look as if it is bleeding. It is noted to have a unique fragrance reminiscent of the scent of maple syrup.

Cap Diameter:

3 - 10 cm

Odor:

Slightly sweet, maple-like

General Info About Rufous candy cap

Instantly identify mushrooms with a snap

Snap a photo for instant mushroom ID and risk assessment, gaining quick insights on edible guidelines, toxicity, medical value, habitat, culture, and foraging techniques, etc.

Download the App for Free

Attributes of Rufous candy cap

Cap Diameter

3 - 10 cm

Cap

Cap 3 - 10 cm wide; shallowly funnel-shaped; brownish red to orange-brown; usually uneven or wrinkled; margin curved inwards or curved upward

Gills

close; pinkish-yellow to darker red or reddish brown; not change color when bruised

Stem

Stem 4 - 8 cm long, about 5 - 15 mm thick; nearly equal or slightly enlarged downward; reddish brown; dry, smooth

Flesh

Firm; white to pinkish-orange; not stain when cut

Spore Print Color

Cream to yellow

Odor

Slightly sweet, maple-like

Body Color

Brown

Red

Orange

Flesh Bruises

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

Growth Form

Scattered, Gregarious

Nutrient Gathering

Mycorrhizal

Substrate

Leaf or Needle Litter, On soil

You can find Rufous candy cap by these plants:

Pines, Spruces

Occurence Habitats

Mixed Woodland

Species Status

Least Concern

Endangered Species

How to Identify Rufous candy cap

Fruiting Body Cap Gills

AI mushroom expert in your pocket

Habitat of Rufous candy cap

The rufous candy cap occurs in mixed coastal forests and dry inland forests of California. It exists in symbiotic relationship with oak trees, particularly coast live oak (Quercus agrifolia). Tree and fungus each provide each other with essential nutrients. The fruitbodies appear in the duff, near the roots of host trees.

Scientific Classification of Rufous candy cap

Phylum

Club fungi

Class

Mushroom-forming fungi

Order

Russulales

Family

Russulaceae

Genus

Milk-caps

Similar Species to Rufous candy cap

Unlocking the Secrets of Identifying Many Types of Mushroom

Master the Art of Distinguishing Mushroom Varieties with Expert Tips.

Download the App for Free

Tips for Finding Rufous candy cap

Your Ultimate Guide to Understanding Mushrooms

Explore the Ins and Outs of Mushroom Hunting: Timing, Optimal Soil Conditions, and More Tips!

Download the App for Free

What are the Ideal Soil Conditions for Rufous candy cap

Rich, well-decomposed organic material.

What are Some Tips for Finding Rufous candy cap

Seek out areas with abundant coast live oak trees, as rufous candy cap often grow in proximity to them.
Look for a thick layer of duff, which is a favorable substrate for rufous candy cap to grow.
Gently move aside leaf litter and other forest debris to reveal any hidden rufous candy cap.
Investigate gregarious groupings or areas where the mushrooms appear to grow in clusters.
Use your hands to feel for the characteristic texture of the rufous candy cap amidst the duff.