False Saffron Milkcap - Lactarius deterrimus

A medium to large milkcap associated with Spruce.  Orange/buff caps sometimes zonate, often stained green, with carrot-coloured gills also bruising green.  The milk is carrot-orange changing to dark red in about 10 minutes as it dries.   Flesh tastes unpleasant and bitter. 

other Lactarius with orange milk

milk/taste/host

Photograph from top down, in side view and from underneath to show gills and full length of stipe.  Note cap texture, smell, colour and taste of flesh, and whether colour of milk changes on exposure to air (this may take some time).   You must note the tree species under which it was found.

Under Spruce; very occasionally under Pine

August to October or November.

Widespread and fairly frequent in Britain.