Grey Milkcap

Grey Milkcap Lactarius vietus (Fr.) Fr. (illustrated 55% life size) Cap 2.5–7cm across, flattened convex, becoming widely funnel-shaped at times, sometimes with a broad to pointed umbo, margin incurved at first; violet- to flesh-tinted grey, or with pale yellowish-brownish tints; slimy or sticky when moist. Stem 25–80×5–13mm, cylindrical, sometimes narrowing downwards but at times with a club-shaped base; whitish or tinged greyish; often hollow, rather weak and easily broken. Flesh whitish-buff. Gills slightly decurrent, crowded; whitish to dirty buff. Milk white, drying brownish or greenish smoke-grey on the gills; taste acrid, hot, smell not distinctive. Spores 8–9.5×6.5–7.5¼, elliptical; moderately developed network of ridges. Spore print creamy white (A–B) with slight salmon tinge. Habitat with birch in moist places; autumn. Common. Not edible.