Lactarius pallidus - confirmation please

[Nettle Runner]

Stones Wood, Anston - 27 Oct 2007
Found growing in unmanaged grassland, on limestone, under Beech







Cap dia 50mm
Stem 50mm brittle
Smell sweet
not a significant discharge of milk when cut
Spore print ochre

My thoughts where towards Lactarius pallidus

Your comments and observations welcomed
Les

[Fungus Ken]

This is, unfortunately, simply Lactarius pubescens.

Ken

[Fungus Ken]

For future reference, Lactarius pallidus has a smooth and sticky to slimy cap surface and does not have a woolly edge to the cap.

If you were keying out the specimens in the photo you would end up in the part of the key with species with a hairy or bearded cap margin, which would rule out Lactarius pallidus.

Ken

[Nettle Runner]

Not unfortunate at all Ken. Pleased to have a positive ID.

Although, my book says associated with acid soil, but it was most certainly limestone.

I suppose the 'shaggy hairs' are what is covering the cap in the image? Didn't notice them earlier

Thanks for your guidance, Ken

Les

[Fungus Ken]

Fungi of Northern Europe Volume 2, The Genus Lactarius, says:

"Lactarius pubescens is associated with Betula and it is typically found on dry soil, often in lawns, at grassy roadsides etc. It is rather common from August to October, especially on neutral to calcareous soil."

The book was written by some of the leading experts on Lactarius in Europe so they are probably right but obviously this doesn't rule out acid soils as your reference suggests.

Ken