Woolly milkcap

Lactarius torminosus

A species of Milk-caps. Also known as Shaggy milkcap, Bearded pepper agaric, Pink-fringed milkcap.

The woolly milkcap mushroom, scientifically known as Lactarius torminosus, derives its name from the distinctive woolly texture of its cap, adorned with delicate, white hairs that can resemble a veil. This species is toxic and can lead to significant gastric distress if ingested. Its Latin designation reinforces this, as the epithet torminosus translates to suffering from colic.

In This Article
Attributes Classification Toxicity Similar Mushrooms

Attributes of Woolly milkcap

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Cap Diameter
4 - 16 cm
Height
4 - 10 cm
Cap
Cap 5 - 15 cm across; convex to funnel-shaped; pale pink to salmon; surface smooth
Cap Shape
Convex, Flat, Depressed
Cap Surfaces
Fibrillose-scaly
Gills
Subdecurrent; close, crowded; white to pale pinkish buff
Gill Attachment
Decurrent
Stem
Stem 4 - 8 cm long, 1 - 2 cm thick; cylindrical; whitish, with pinkish spots; surface smooth
Stem Shapes
Cylindrical
Stem Surfaces
Smooth
Flesh
Firm, brittle; white
Ring
Ringless
Spore Print Color
Cream to pale yellowish-cream
Odor
Faintly reminiscent of turpentine.
Body Color
YellowWhitePink
Flesh Bruises
The flesh or milk does not discolor when bruised or cut.
Growth Form
Scattered, Gregarious
Nutrient Gathering
Mycorrhizal
Substrate
On soil
You can find Woolly milkcap by these plants
Pines, Oaks, Spruces
Occurence Habitats
Mixed Woodland
Species Status
Common and widely distributed
Endangered Species
No

Scientific Classification of Woolly milkcap

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Phylum
Club fungi
Class
Mushroom-forming fungi
Order
Russulales
Family
Russulaceae
Genus
Milk-caps
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Toxicity and Edibility of Woolly milkcap

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Is Woolly milkcap Toxic?

The woolly milkcap mushroom typically inhabits diverse environments throughout the year. Its primary toxic effects are directed at the digestive system, manifesting as symptoms like nausea, vomiting, abdominal cramps, and diarrhea. In more severe cases, its impact can extend to visual disturbances, motor dysfunction, and damage to vital organs such as the liver and kidneys.

Toxins type
Terpenoid
Type of poisoning
Gastrointestinal
Toxic Severity
Moderate toxicity
Incubation Period
0.5-4 hours
Poisoning Symptoms
Common symptoms include gastrointestinal distress, characterized by nausea, vomiting, cramps, and diarrhea. In more severe cases, poisoning can lead to issues beyond the digestive system, such as vision problems, movement disorders like tremors or ataxia, and potential damage to vital organs like the liver and kidneys.

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