Lactarius uvidus

Lactarius uvidus

Taxonomy

Phylum: Basidiomycota

Class: Agaricomycetes

Order: Russulales

Family: Russulaceae

Lactarius uvidus grows in wet places, mainly under willow and birch on acid soils. This distinctive species, which appears from August to October, is bitter and is considered inedible and probably poisonous.

an infrequent find in southern Britain, Lactarius uvidus is much more common in some parts of Scotland and in northern mainland Europe.

If we were required to create a common name for this mushroom (which does not have a generally accepted common name), it would have to be the Lilac-staining Milkcap... but we are not in to making up common names.

Identification Guide

A young specimen of Lactarius uvidus displaying lilaceous latex stains on its gills The lilaceous staining on damaged gills is a distinctive feature of this milkcap; it is very clearly visible on the gills of this pale young specimen (left).
Cap of Lactarius uvidus

Cap

Pale violet grey when young, this deceptive milkcap becomes much darker and browner as the fruiting body matures.

4 to 9cm in diameter, convex and then flat or slightly depressed, the caps are buff or lilaceous, darkening with age.

When cut, the firm flesh below the cuticle is buff but eventually turns lilaceous.
Gills of Lactarius uvidus

Gills

Shortly decurrent and fairly crowded, the pale gills darken with age. 

When damaged, the gills release a white milk that very slowly turns lilaceous as it dries.

Stem

6 to 25mm in diameter and 3 to 6cm tall, the pale stems are cylindrical and become hollow with age.

Spore print

Cream.

Odour/taste

No distinctive odour; slightly bitter taste.

Habitat

Under willow and birch; less frequently under conifers.

Season

August to October.

Occurrence

Fairly frequent; often in large groups.

Similar species

Lactarius quietus also has a buff cap, but it is found only under oaks and its milk does not turn lilac as it dries.