Home · Species · Saffron milk cap
Saffron milk cap (Lactarius deliciosus)
Saffron milk cap (Lactarius deliciosus) is a well-known edible in Europe. Folk names help you search — safe ID still needs expertise.
Scientific name: Lactarius deliciosus
Habitat
Pine woods, sometimes with other pines, often on more calcareous ground.
Season
August to November, longer in mild regions.
Weather and fruiting
Orange milk and greening bruises are typical. After cool, wet spells pine stands can fruit heavily.
More regions
Saffron milk cap · Scottish Highlands
Cool, wet Atlantic climate; season later and longer than in southern England.
Saffron milk cap · Cairngorms
Upland granite and pine woods; elevation delays fruiting compared with the coast.
Saffron milk cap · New Forest
Lowland mixed woods and heath; earlier season after mild, wet summers.
Saffron milk cap · Lake District
High rainfall on western fells; valleys fruit earlier than high tarns.
Saffron milk cap · Galloway
Mild, wet south-west Scotland with Sitka and mixed woodland.
More species
FAQ
What does the map show?
Weather-based foraging chances, not a guarantee that fruit bodies stand at the pin.
Can I eat this mushroom?
No page replaces identification. If unsure, leave it or ask an expert.
When is a trip worth it?
Orange milk and greening bruises are typical. After cool, wet spells pine stands can fruit heavily.