Lactarius areolatus is a small to medium-sized mushroom with a rounded to flattened cap, typically 2-6 cm in diameter, featuring an areolate (net-like) pattern on the surface. The cap is often reddish-brown to orange-brown with yellowish or whitish patches. The gills are crowded and pale cream-colored. It grows in association with oak trees, particularly Quercus stellata and Quercus buckleyi, in East and Central Texas. Fruiting typically occurs from July to October, often after heavy rainfall. Specimens have been found in a variety of habitats, including woodland edges, savannas, and along streams, in counties such as Bastrop, Brazos, Grimes, and Houston.
Reddish milkcap mushrooms Lactarius areolatus on Post Oak Trail in Lick Creek Park. College Station, Texas, October 5, 2018
2000 Campbell Ct, College Station, TX 77845, USA
Small milkcap mushrooms Lactarius areolatus under oaks in Lick Creek Park. College Station, Texas, June 2, 2020Iron Bridge Trail, College Station, TX 77845, USA
Milkcap mushrooms Lactarius areolatus on a slope of a small dry creek in Lick Creek Park. College Station, Texas, June 9, 2020Yaupon Loop, College Station, TX 77845, USA
Cracked cap of a milkcap mushroom Lactarius areolatus on a slope of a small dry creek in Lick Creek Park. College Station, Texas, June 9, 2020Yaupon Loop, College Station, TX 77845, USA
Close-up of milkcap mushrooms Lactarius areolatus in Lick Creek Park. College Station, Texas, June 9, 2020Yaupon Loop, College Station, TX 77845, USA
Milkcap mushrooms Lactarius areolatus in Lick Creek Park. College Station, Texas, June 20, 2021Iron Bridge Trail, College Station, TX 77845, USA
Milkcap mushrooms Lactarius areolatus under oaks in Lick Creek Park. College Station, Texas, June 20, 2021Iron Bridge Trail, College Station, TX 77845, USA
Young milkcap mushrooms Lactarius areolatus(?) in moss on former Closed Trail in Lick Creek Park. College Station, Texas, June 20, 2021Iron Bridge Trail, College Station, TX 77845, USA
Side view of young milkcap mushrooms Lactarius areolatus(?) in moss in Lick Creek Park. College Station, Texas, June 20, 2021Iron Bridge Trail, College Station, TX 77845, USA
Milkcap mushrooms Lactarius areolatus on Kiwanis Nature Trail. College Station, Texas, July 12, 20211106 Ashburn Ave, College Station, TX 77840, USA
Mature milkcap mushrooms Lactarius areolatus under post oaks in Lick Creek Park. College Station, Texas, April 10, 2023Iron Bridge Trail, College Station, Brazos County, Texas, United States
Milkcap mushrooms Lactarius areolatus with a cross section in Lick Creek Park. College Station, Texas, April 10, 2023Iron Bridge Trail, College Station, Brazos County, Texas, United States
Spores of milkcap mushrooms Lactarius areolatus collected in Lick Creek Park. College Station, Texas, April 10, 2023Observations of the fungus Lactarius areolatus in East and Central Texas were made on multiple occasions between 2018 and 2023. The mushrooms were found in Lick Creek Park, College Station, under oaks, on slopes, and in moss. They were observed in various stages of growth, from young to mature, with cracked caps and cross-sections examined. The milkcap mushrooms were also found on the Kiwanis Nature Trail. Spores were collected for further study. The observations suggest that Lactarius areolatus is a common species in the area, thriving in association with oak trees and tolerating a range of environmental conditions. The repeated sightings over several years indicate a stable population of this fungus in East and Central Texas.
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