BASIDIOMYCETES: Agaricales, Russulaceae

Indigo Milk Cap, Lactarius indigo

Basidiomycetes, order: Agaricales, family: Russulaceae

Height to 3"

Cap is up to 6" wide, convex with a depressed center and inrolled margin. Surface is smooth and a unique coloring of bright bluish to gray with concentric banding. Stalk is straight along its length or slightly narrowing at the base. Gills are attached, descending down the stalk, and blue or gray. Spore print is cream. Flesh is brittle and exudes a dark, indigo blue latex when cut. The Indigo Milk Cap is found on the ground near oak or pine woods in southeastern North America during the summer and fall. It is edible.