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Hygrophorus Milky
(Lactarius hygrophoroides)
Milk
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Hygrophorus Milky Mushroom sculpture

Hygrophorus Milky Mushroom

sculpture, acrylic paint

This milky mushroom has a convex to vase-shaped orange-brown cap 1-1/4 to inches across. The flesh is white, and the mushroom exudes plenty of white latex when injured.

The broad white to cream-colored gills are attached to the stem but very distant from each other. The spore print is white.

The stalk, orange-brown or lighter, is 1-1/4 to 2 inches long, 1/4 to 5/8 inches thick.

Hygrophorus Milky Mushroom

Young Hygrophorus Milky Mushrooms

Notice the convex caps of these young specimens, as opposed to the funnel shape of the older mushroom, above.

Look for it on the ground in deciduous woods throughout the eastern half of North America from early to late summer.

The choice edible voluminous-latex milky (L. volemus) is similar, but the gills are crowded together.

The hygrophorus milky gets its name because its funnel shape makes it resemble waxy cap mushrooms, in the genus Hygrophorus.

This is an excellent edible, with a dry, chewy, meaty texture and hearty flavor, making it an excellent choice for vegetarian mock meat dishes. You can add it to soups, bake it, or steam it, but I find it best sautéed.