Grey milkcap (Lactarius vietus) thumbnail 1
Grey milkcap (Lactarius vietus) thumbnail 2

Grey milkcap

Lactarius vietus

A species of Milk-caps.

The grey milkcap, a notable fungus, frequently inhabits conifer woods. Its cap is grey with an edge that subtly curves inward, and the gills beneath exude a watery fluid when compressed. The stalk of this mushroom usually exceeds the cap's width in height. It engages in a mutually beneficial association with specific trees, playing a role in the exchange of nutrients within the forest environment.

In This Article
Attributes Classification Toxicity
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Complete cultivation, harvesting, and cooking guide for Grey milkcap
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Attributes of Grey milkcap

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Cap Diameter
3 - 9 cm
Height
5 - 9 cm
Cap
Cap 2.5 - 8 cm across; flattened-convex shape, funnel-shaped; grey, pale yellowish-brown or red; smooth, slimey or sticky when wet; margin curved inwards in younger specimens, wavey
Cap Shape
Convex, Depressed
Cap Surfaces
Slimy or slightly sticky
Gills
Decurrent or adnate; crowded; whitish to a dirty buff
Gill Attachment
Attached
Stem
Stem 2.5 - 8 cm by 2 - 7 cm; cylindrical in shape, or club-shaped; whitish or greyish, paler at the top; rather weak and easily broken
Stem Shapes
Cylindrical
Stem Surfaces
Smooth
Flesh
Hollow; whitish-buff
Ring
Ringless
Spore Print Color
Creamy white with a variable tone, slightly tinged salmon
Odor
Faintly mushroom-like, not distinct.
Body Color
BrownYellowRedGrayWhitePurple
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 Grey milkcap by these plants
Spruces, Pines, Oaks
Occurence Habitats
Deciduous Woodland
Species Status
Fairly common
Endangered Species
No

Scientific Classification of Grey 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 Grey milkcap

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Is Grey milkcap Toxic?

The Grey milkcap mushroom is recognized for its adverse effects on the digestive system. Consuming it may lead to symptoms such as sickness, throwing up, abdominal pains, and loose stools. In more serious cases, it can impair eyesight, cause issues with coordination, and potentially harm crucial organs like the liver and kidneys. Nevertheless, reliable details regarding its natural environment and unique physical characteristics are still unconfirmed due to insufficient fungal research.

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.