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Woolly milkcap

Lactarius torminosus

A species of Milk-caps, Also known as Shaggy milkcap, Bearded pepper agaric, Pink-fringed milkcap

The woolly milkcap (Lactarius torminosus) is named after its "woolly" cap covered in fine, white hairs that may mimic a veil. It is a poisonous species that can cause unpleasant stomach upsets when consumed. Even its Latin name suggests so - the specific epithet torminosus means "suffering from colic."

Cap Diameter:

4 - 16 cm

Odor:

Faintly reminiscent of turpentine.

General Info About Woolly milkcap

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Attributes of Woolly milkcap

Cap Diameter

4 - 16 cm

Height

4 - 10 cm

Cap

Cap 5 - 15 cm across; convex to funnel-shaped; pale pink to salmon; surface smooth

Cap Shape

Convex, Flat, Depressed

Cap Surfaces

Fibrillose-scaly

Gills

Subdecurrent; close, crowded; white to pale pinkish buff

Gill Attachment

Decurrent

Stem

Stem 4 - 8 cm long, 1 - 2 cm thick; cylindrical; whitish, with pinkish spots; surface smooth

Stem Shapes

Cylindrical

Stem Surfaces

Smooth

Stem Cross Sections

Hollow or cottony hollow

Flesh

Firm, brittle; white

Ring

Ringless

Spore Print Color

Cream to pale yellowish-cream

Odor

Faintly reminiscent of turpentine.

Body Color

Yellow

White

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

You can find Woolly milkcap by these plants:

Pines, Oaks, Spruces

Occurence Habitats

Mixed Woodland

Species Status

Common and widely distributed

Endangered Species

How to Identify Woolly milkcap

Fruiting Body Cap Gills

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Habitat of Woolly milkcap

The woolly milkcap is a woodland mushroom, but it can be often found in lawns where trees have been planted. It mostly grows in heaths, open grassy sites, forest clearing and edges, but it's always near the roots of a host tree, helping it absorb water and nutrients while the tree provides it sugars and amino acids. It's commonly associated with birch.

Distribution Area of Woolly milkcap

North America,Europe,North Africa,Northern Asia

Scientific Classification of Woolly milkcap

Phylum

Club fungi

Class

Mushroom-forming fungi

Order

Russulales

Family

Russulaceae

Genus

Milk-caps

Toxicity and Edibility of Woolly milkcap

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Is Woolly milkcap Toxic?

Woolly milkcap is typically found in various habitats during different seasons. Its toxicity primarily targets the gastrointestinal system, causing distress such as nausea, vomiting, cramps, and diarrhea. The severity can escalate to affect vision, induce motor disorders, and degrades the health of organs like liver and kidneys.

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 Woolly milkcap

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Tips for Finding Woolly milkcap

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What are the Ideal Soil Conditions for Woolly milkcap

Moist, well-drained, rich in organic matter.

What are Some Tips for Finding Woolly milkcap

Focus on searching around birch trees, especially in areas where these trees are abundant.
Look for woolly milkcap in damp, shaded spots within woodland areas or near the edges of heaths.
Check around downed wood and leaf litter, as woolly milkcap may often be found in such microhabitats.
Gently move aside foliage and debris on the forest floor to reveal woolly milkcap that may be hidden.
Visit potential habitats after a period of rainfall when the soil is most likely to be moist and conducive for woolly milkcap growth.