Golden Milkcap
ExploreFungi
Golden Milkcap
lactarius alnicola
The Golden Milkcap is a bright orange mushroom that grows on the forest floor. It releases a milky substance when you break it, which is why it's called a milkcap!
Habitat: Golden Milkcaps thrive in cool, moist forests, especially under birch trees.
Appearance
The Golden Milkcap has a brilliant golden to orange-yellow cap, often sticky when wet, and paler cream-yellow gills. Its stem matches the cap color. A unique feature is the white, milky liquid it exudes when cut or bruised, setting it apart.
KingdomFungiPhylumBasidiomycotaClassAgaricomycetesOrderRussulalesFamilyRussulaceaeGenusLactarius
Category
FungiRarity
Common
Danger
1/5 · Very low
Snaps
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Interesting facts
If you scratch its gills, it leaks a milky, white liquid, just like a tiny tree!
Its scientific name, alnicola, means 'alder dwelling' because it loves alder trees!
Some fungi glow, but the Golden Milkcap's shimmer is purely golden by daylight!
Though called 'Golden,' its bitter taste makes it a forest jewel to admire!
Special abilities
Ability
Milky Defense
Golden Milkcap can ooze milky latex from its gills when cut, which helps deter hungry critters.
Ability
Tree Talker
Golden Milkcap has a special partnership with alder trees, sharing nutrients to help both grow strong.
Measurements & details
- Height
- 4-15 cm
- Edibility
- edible
- Cap Diameter
- 4-12 cm
- Growth Substrate
- soil
- Season
- Late summer to fall
- Spore Color
- Creamy yellow to buff
Ecological connections
symbiotic with
Red Alder
Alnus rubra
Forms vital root partnerships for nutrient exchange.
symbiotic with
Western Hemlock
Tsuga heterophylla
Shares nutrients with this conifer in forest ecosystems.
symbiotic with
Garry Oak
Quercus garryana
Can form mycorrhizal associations with various oak species.
eaten by
Western Gray Squirrel
Sciurus griseus
Squirrels might nibble on these mushrooms for food.
Traits
Solitary
Solitary animals live alone for most of their lives, only interacting with others for mating or parental care.
Colorful
Colorful describes organisms or objects displaying a wide range of bright and distinct colors.
Decomposer
Describes organisms that break down dead organic material, recycling nutrients back into the ecosystem.
Forest
Forest habitats are terrestrial environments dominated by dense tree cover, supporting a high diversity of plant and animal life.
Also known as
Birch MilkcapGolden CapOrange Milkcap
Collections
Safety
Danger
1/5 · Very low
Do not touch or eat wild mushrooms without an adult's help.
Frequently Asked Questions
How tall is Golden Milkcap?
4-15 cm
Is Golden Milkcap edible?
edible
How big is Golden Milkcap?
4-12 cm
Where is Golden Milkcap usually found?
Golden Milkcaps thrive in cool, moist forests, especially under birch trees.
What does Golden Milkcap grow on?
soil
When is Golden Milkcap in season?
Late summer to fall
What color are Golden Milkcap spores?
Creamy yellow to buff
Snap Map
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