Lactarius rufus

Lactarius rufus

Secure  (NatureServe)
Scientific classification
Domain: Eukaryota
Kingdom: Fungi
Division: Basidiomycota
Class: Agaricomycetes
Order: Russulales
Family: Russulaceae
Genus: Lactarius
Species:
L. rufus
Binomial name
Lactarius rufus
Lactarius rufus
Gills on hymenium
Cap is convex
Hymenium is decurrent
Stipe is bare
Spore print is white
Edibility is unknown but not recommended

Lactarius rufus is a common, medium-sized member of the mushroom genus Lactarius, whose many members are commonly known as milkcaps. Known by the common name of the rufous milkcap, or the red hot milk cap in North America. It is dark brick red in color, and grows with pine or birch trees. It is suspected of being poisonous but has some regional culinary uses.