BASIDIOMYCETES: Agaricales, Russulaceae

Bleeding Milk Cap, Lactarius rubrilacteus or Lactarius sanguifluous

Basidiomycetes, order: Agaricales, family: Russulaceae

Height to 2½"

Cap is up to 5" wide, convex and depressed in the center, becoming flattened and more depressed with age. Colored in concentric zones of tan, brown, or bright orange, sometimes with darker greenish spots, and exuding a reddish latex when cut. Margin is wavy. The stalk is colored as the cap and about equal throughout its length. Gills are attached, often descending down the stalk, and colored pale reddish-brown. Spore print is pale yellow or cream. The Bleeding Milk Cap is found in coniferous woodlands in western North America during the summer and fall. It is edible but not recommended. Also known as the Red-juice Milky Cap.