This is a striking fungus with a woolly cap that is commonly found with Birch trees in woods and parkland.
Common to very common and widespread.
Associated with Birch trees, often in open grassy areas.
Initially convex, then flattened and finally shallowly funnel-shaped. The margin remains inrolled for a long time and the cap is densely coered with shaggy hairs. Cap colour ranges from pinkish-white to flesh-pink with darker concentric zones.
White, with a pink tinge in the cap and a flesh tint in the stem, which becomes hollow. There is a vague fruity odour and a hot, peppery taste.
Decurrent, initially white then gradually pale flesh coloured. The gills and flesh exude a white milk that is very hot to taste.
White
Cylindrical, or slightly thicker at the base and a delicate white frosting covers the entire stem surface, which is slightly paler than the cap and when bruised, the brittle flesh turns rusty flesh-pink.
Torminosus means "causing colic" A poisonous fungus if eaten raw but edible when cooked properly.
