About this fungus
Corrugated-cap Milky is a fungus in the Russulaceae family. Its habitat and field characteristics are summarised below.
A large eastern North American milkcap with a dry dark red-brown cap that becomes deeply wrinkled, warm cream to orange-brown gills and a sturdy stem.
What to check
Freshly damaged gills release abundant white latex that does not change colour in the air but slowly stains the gills, flesh and white paper brown. Check the dry corrugated cap, robust ringless stem and oak woodland setting together.
Lookalikes
Lactifluus volemus is usually paler and less deeply corrugated but also has abundant white latex that stains brown. L. hygrophoroides has more widely spaced gills. Regional keys or microscopy may be needed for atypical collections.
Habitat and range
Mycorrhizal chiefly with oaks and possibly other hardwoods in eastern North America, fruiting on woodland soil in summer and autumn.
Food safety
Choice edible.
Use this profile to learn what to examine and compare, not as proof that a mushroom is safe to eat. Check the whole specimen and every important lookalike before reaching an identification.
Photographs
Jimmie Veitch / CC BY-SA 3.0