Lactarius paradoxus


Lactarius paradoxus is a North American member of the large milk-cap genus, Lactarius, in the order Russulales. The mushroom is blue-green to gray, staining green and bleeding red latex. It is edible but becomes bitter with age.

Taxonomy

The species was first described in 1940.

Description

The cap is blue-green to gray and wide. The stipe is long and up to 1.3 cm wide.
When damaged, the mushroom stains green and bleeds dark red latex. The flesh is bluish white, odorless, and mild tasting to slightly bitter. The spore print is light yellowish.

Similar species

Lactarius indigo looks similar, but with a blue latex. Lactarius rubrilacteus has a reddish latex and does not appear blue. Additionally, L. chelidonium and L. subpurpureus are similar.

Distribution and habitat

Fruiting from early fall to late winter, the species is found in the southern and eastern United States. It appears in grass and under pines. It is mycorrhizal with pine and oak.

Edibility

The species is edible and mild, but bitter if too old.