Lactarius rufus (Scop. ex Fr.) Fr.
Fuchsfarbener Milchling, Lactaire roux, Rufous Milkcap. Cap 3–10cm across, convex, later flattening, finally with a central depression, the centre usually with a pointed umbo, red-brown, bay or dark brick, moderately thick-fleshed, breaking fairly easily, surface dry and matt, margin somewhat inrolled at first. Stem 40–80 x 5–20mm, concolorous with cap but paler. Flesh white, stem often hollow when old. Gills somewhat decurrent, brittle, yellowish at first, later as cap but paler. Milk white; taste mild then after about a minute very hot and acrid. Spore print creamy whitish (B) with slight salmon tinge. Spores elliptic, warts occasionally isolated but mainly connected by thin ridges to form a rather incomplete network, 8–9.5 x 6.5–7.5µ. Habitat under pine. Season late spring to late autumn. Very common. Not edible although in some areas used as a seasoning after special treatment. (Never eat any mushroom until you are certain it is edible as many are poisonous and some are deadly poisonous.) Distribution, America and Europe.
Comment Lactarius rufus var. parvus Smith & Hesler is darker in color when wet, and the habitat seems to be confined to conifer logs.