Lactarius violascens (Violet-staining Milkcap)

Lactarius violascens

Deciduous forests, especially oak, birch and aspen woods. Summer, autumn.

Fruiting bodies medium-sized. Cap up to 10 cm across, concentrically zoned, slimy, from violet-brown to ochre-greyish-brown, not brittle. Gills whitish, later yellowish-brownish. Stem 3—7x1—3 cm, whitish-brownish. Characteristic features: flesh whitish, yellowish, mild in taste, with a pleasant smell; when broken or cut it stains bluish-violet, and the abundant white milk turns violet. Grows singly or in small groups, likes the company of oak, hazel, birch and aspen. Edible, but uncommon.