Lactarius vietus - Grey Milkcap

Taxonomy

Phylum: Basidiomycota

Class: Agaricomycetes

Order: Russulales

Lactarius vietus, commonly referred to as the Grey Milkcap, grows mainly under birch trees. It is not one of the milkcaps that turn up on most woodland forays, but in areas where it occurs it is usually quite plentiful and easy to find, despite its drab appearance.

Some authyorities suggest that this drab, gregarious mushroom is edible provided it is boiled thoroughly. So is corrugated cardboard, but there are better treats to be had after a fungus foray.

Identification Guide

Side view of Lactarius vietus - Grey Milkcap

The Grey Milkcap is an occasional species and yet another of the milkcaps associated with birch trees. It is most commonly found in damp, shady places.

	Cap 4 to 8cm in diameter, convex and then centrally depressed, the caps are pale purplish-grey or buff-grey and slimy when wet. Beneath the cap cuticle, the flesh is white or pale buff and rather brittle.
	Gills Adnate or very shortly decurrent, the crowded gills are white or pale yellow, turning brown when bruised. When damaged, the gills release white milk that dries smoke-grey on the gills.
Stem	5 to 10mm in diameter and 5 to 7cm tall, the stems are smooth and cylindrical; they are rather brittle and easily broken.
Spore print	Pale cream, but rather variable in tone.
Odour/taste	No distinctive odour; hot and peppery taste.
Habitat	Under birch in damp, shady places.
Season	August to October.
Occurrence	Frequent; often in quite large groups.
Similar species	Lactarius blennius is often a greeny-grey colour with a cap banded by droplet-like blotches, and it is very slimy during wet weather.