Lactarius subvernalis  

Lactarius subvernalis var. cokeri_1405

Lactarius subvernalis Hessler & Smith 1960

Lactarius subvernalis has a medium sized suede-like white to pale grayish-buff convex, dry cap  that becomes flat with a shallow central depression. Gills are white to buff, attached to subdecurrent, crowded and forked at stipe apex. Stipe is off-whitish, staining pinkish with handling and becoming hollow with age. Unchanging white latex slowly stains gills salmon-pink.  Off-white tissues bruise salmon-pink with cutting or handling. Pale buff-yellow spore print. Mild to slightly and slowly acrid (taste for 2 min.) Under hardwoods, especially oaks.

Lactarius subvernalis