Lactarius mushrooms – aka Milkcaps – are known for the milky substance they exude when damaged. The flavour can vary, being hot, bitter or mild, and, like the Russula mushrooms, it has a granular texture akin to sugar cubes.

Ones to avoid:

1. Fleecy Milkcap
2. Lactarius Evosmus
3. Bearded Milkcap
4. Woolly Milkcap
5. Lactarius Mairei
6. Lactarius Fluens
7. Lactarius Uvidus
8. Alder Milkcap
9. Grey Milkcap
10. Lactarius Luteolus
11. Lactarius Omphaliformis
12. Rufous Milkcap
13. Lilacscale Milkcap
14. Lactarius Circellatus
15. Liver Milkcap
16. Ugly Milkcap
17. Fiery Milkcap
18. Lactarius Acerrimus
19. Lactarius Zonarius
20. Orange Milkcap
21. Lactarius Hysginus
22. Birch Milkcap
23. Lactarius Azonites
24. Lactarius Pterosporus
25. Lactarius Decipiens
26. Lactarius Flavidus
27. Fenugreek Milkcap
28. Lactarius Bresadolianus
29. Tawny Milkcap
30. Watery Milkcap
31. Lactarius Semisanguifluus
32. Lactarius Salmonicolor
33. Lactarius Citriolens
34. Yellowdrop Milkcap
35. Lactarius Quieticolor

Ones to eat:

1. Lactarius Controversus (edible but not tasty)
2. Peppery Milkcap (again, edible but gross)
3. Pine Milkcap (edible if cooked)
4. Pale Milkcap (edible if cooked)
5. Mild Milkcap
6. Lactarius Volemus
7. Lactarius Mammosus
8. Oakbug Milkcap
9. Beech Milkcap (edible but not great)
10. Coconut Milkcap
11. Sooty Milkcap
12. Curry Milkcap
13. False Saffron Milkcap
14. Saffron Milkcap

Given there are over twice as many poisonous ones as safe ones – and many safe ones don’t have a nice flavour – the Lactarius mushrooms are probably best avoided for beginners. They may simply be a good lesson in what not to pick, really.

When in doubt, leave it be. Stay safe folks!