False Saffron Milkcap

Lactarius deterrimus

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Appears in
Mushrooms

By Roger Phillips

Published 2006

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False Saffron Milkcap Lactarius deterrimus Gröger. (illustrated 55% life size) Very similar to L. deliciosus (below), formerly not distinguished from it, differing essentially in flesh and milk. Cap less reddish and more yellowish, and the whole fungus is more liable to turn greenish. Flesh where coloured by milk, becoming purplish in 10 minutes and dark, dull wine-red in about 30 minutes after exposure. Milk bitter. Spores as L. deliciosus. Habitat thought to only occur with spruce; summer to autumn. Frequent. Edible but not as good as L. deliciosus.