CHOICE EDIBLE: Highly prized for its mild flavor. The distinctive DARK RED LATEX is diagnostic. Stains purple when cooked - this is normal. Best when young and firm. Cook thoroughly.
Bleeding Milk Cap has an orange to orange-brown cap (5-15 cm) with darker concentric zones. Gills are pale orange, crowded, decurrent. Stem is orange with scrobiculations. KEY FEATURE: DARK RED to WINE-RED LATEX (milk) that exudes when cut - distinctive blood-red color. Latex slowly stains tissues reddish-purple. Flesh is pale. Spore print is pale cream to pinkish.
| Family | Unknown |
|---|---|
| Genus | Lactarius |
| Edibility | Edible* |
| Toxicity | unknown |
| Season | Sep-Nov |
| Habitat | Mycorrhizal with CONIFERS, especially fir, spruce, and hemlock in western North America. Grows on ground in coniferous forests, mountain forests. Prefers well-drained soil. |
| Region | Pacific Northwest, Rocky Mountains, Northern California, British Columbia |
Habitat: Mycorrhizal with CONIFERS, especially fir, spruce, and hemlock in western North America. Grows on ground in coniferous forests, mountain forests. Prefers well-drained soil.
Region: Pacific Northwest, Rocky Mountains, Northern California, British Columbia
Fall (September-November), fruiting after rains in mountains.
Typical months: Sep-Nov
Always verify identification to avoid these similar species. The differentiator is the point — learn the one or two tells that separate them:
orange latex not red
similar red latex, different host
check latex color
Pin the patch before you leave it. Coordinates, photos, and field notes stay on your device — and the offline lookalike guide travels with you into the deep woods.
Download Mushroom TrackerDisclaimer: This guide is for educational purposes only. Never consume a wild mushroom unless you are 100% certain of its identification.