Species details
Pale milkcap
Lactarius pallidus
Conditional / expert preparation
Photo: Holger Krisp · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Photo source · License
Description
A large pale pinkish-brown milkcap with a smooth very slimy cap when wet and white latex that does not change colour.
Identification features
The cap is fleshy, initially convex, later flattened and depressed, with the margin remaining inrolled for a long time. Gills start whitish and become pale brownish. The stem is pale yellowish, smooth and narrows toward the base.
Identification checklist
Check the pale smooth cap that becomes very slimy when wet and lacks strong zoning, the long-inrolled margin, pale stem and abundant white latex that does not change colour. Beech and calcareous soil are useful additional clues.
How to separate similar species
Other pale milkcaps differ in habitat, gill density, stem surface and latex reactions. Also observe colour changes at damaged areas after several minutes.
Habitat
Mainly on calcareous soils under beech; from early summer to autumn.
Fruiting period
June, July, August, September, October
Similar species
- Lactarius musteus
- Beech milkcap (Lactarius blennius)
- Lactarius species