Choice Edible
saffron milkcap
Lactarius deliciosus
Also known as: saffron milkcap, Red Pine Mushroom
Botanical Overview
Lactarius deliciosus, commonly known as the saffron milk cap and red pine mushroom, is one of the best known members of the large milk-cap genus Lactarius in the order Russulales. It is native to Europe, but has been accidentally introduced to other countries along with pine trees, with which the fungus is symbiotic.
Foraging Safety · Hazard Watch
Similar & Confusing Lookalikes
Never harvest or eat wild mushrooms based on photos alone. Always cross-check against these similar lookalikes:
Lookalike
Lactarius deterrimus
Lactarius deterrimus
Lookalike
Lactarius rubrilacteus
Lactarius rubrilacteus
Lookalike
Lactarius salmonicolor
Lactarius salmonicolor
Lookalike
Lactarius quieticolor
Lactarius quieticolor
Lookalike
Lactarius torminosus
Lactarius torminosus
Classification
Scientific Taxonomy
Kingdom Fungi
Phylum Basidiomycota
Class Agaricomycetes
Order Russulales
Family Russulaceae
Genus Lactarius
Safety Notice: Never consume any wild mushroom based exclusively on photographs or app identification. Many deadly poisonous species (such as Amanita phalloides) closely mimic edible varieties. Always verify your specimen in person with a certified expert mycologist.
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