Peppery Milkcap - Lactarius piperatus

A large whitish or pale cream milkcap, convex with a tightly inrolled margin and later depressed or funnel-shaped, the creamy-white caps have a fine matt surface. Older specimens often develop reddish patches. The very narrow, decurrent, crowded gills are a distinguishing feature; they are white at first, becoming brown with age.  Milk white, usually unchanging.  Taste very acrid.

L glaucescens has microscopic differences and a different reaction to Potassium hydroxide (KOH); it is rare and we do not believe it has been recorded in VC55

milk/taste

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 milk, 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.

Broadleaf and mixed woodland; most commonly under Beech trees.

July to November.

Occasional but widespread in Britain.

Status in Leicestershire and Rutland not known.