Lactarius psammicola
Lactarius psammicola
When its gills are damaged, it exudes a white, milky latex that rapidly stains bright yellow when exposed to air.
- Scientific name
- Lactarius psammicola
- Taxonomy
- Fungi › Basidiomycota › Agaricomycetes › Russulales › Russulaceae › Lactarius
- IUCN Red List status
- Least Concern
- Population trend
- stable
- Biome
- forest
- Habitat
- Sandy soils in oak and mixed deciduous forests
- Diet
- Mycorrhizal (mutualistic nutrient exchange with host tree roots)
- Range
- Eastern North America, Central America
- Size
- Cap diameter of 4 to 12 cm, stem height of 2 to 6 cm.
- Lifespan
- The underground mycelium can live for decades, while the mushroom cap lasts only 7 to 14 days.
- Active
- diurnal
- Threats
- Habitat fragmentation, soil compaction from off-trail hiking, and heavy air pollution.
- Safe to approach?
- This species is toxic and inedible. It is harmless to touch, but you should wash your hands afterward to avoid transferring its acrid, irritating latex to your eyes or mouth. Never consume wild mushrooms unless identified by an expert. If accidentally ingested, seek medical help or contact poison control immediately.
Lactarius psammicola is a species of mushroom in the genus Lactarius , family Russulaceae, and order Russulales. Its mushroom cap is convex when young and becomes funnel shaped as it ages. The cap has concentric rings of orangish brown. The taste is described as acrid.
Photo: Alan Rockefeller, CC-BY, via iNaturalist
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