Synonyms: Lactarius fagicola, Lactarius subrubescens, Lactifluus gerardii.
Common name: Gerard's Milky.
Lactarius gerardii is a medium to large-sized mushroom with a grayish-brown to tan cap, often with a depressed center, and white to pale yellow gills. The stem is typically stout and similar in color to the cap. It has a mild to slightly sweet odor and taste. In East and Central Texas, Lactarius gerardii can be found growing on the ground in association with oak and pine trees, particularly in sandy or clay soils. Fruitings often occur from summer to fall, with peak activity during late August and September. The species is considered common in the region, particularly in areas with rich soil and abundant tree cover.
Milkcap mushrooms Lactarius gerardii (Lactifluus gerardii) on floodplain on Caney Creek Trail (Little Lake Creek Loop Trail) in Sam Houston National Forest north from Montgomery. Texas, July 13, 2019
LSHT Little Lake Creek Loop, Montgomery, TX 77356, USA
Caps of milkcap mushrooms Lactarius gerardii (Lactifluus gerardii) on floodplain on Caney Creek Trail (Little Lake Creek Loop Trail) in Sam Houston National Forest north from Montgomery. Texas, July 13, 2019LSHT Little Lake Creek Loop, Montgomery, TX 77356, USA
Milkcap mushrooms Lactarius gerardii near a small creek on Caney Creek Trail (Little Lake Creek Loop Trail) in Sam Houston National Forest north from Montgomery. Texas, September 29, 2019Little Lake Creek Loop Trail, Montgomery, TX 77356, USA
UBrown milkcap mushrooms Lactarius gerardii near a small creek on Caney Creek Trail (Little Lake Creek Loop Trail) in Sam Houston National Forest north from Montgomery. Texas, September 29, 2019Little Lake Creek Loop Trail, Montgomery, TX 77356, USA
Underside of milkcap mushrooms Lactarius gerardii near a small creek on Caney Creek Trail (Little Lake Creek Loop Trail) in Sam Houston National Forest north from Montgomery. Texas, September 29, 2019Little Lake Creek Loop Trail, Montgomery, TX 77356, USA
Milkcap mushroom Lactarius gerardii(?) on Richards Loop Trail in Sam Houston National Forest. Texas, April 6, 2020Little Lake Creek Loop Trail, Montgomery, TX 77356, USA
Dissected milkcap mushroom Lactarius gerardii(?) on Richards Loop Trail in Sam Houston National Forest. Texas, April 6, 2020Little Lake Creek Loop Trail, Montgomery, TX 77356, USA
Milkcap mushrooms Lactarius gerardii (Lactifluus gerardii) in wet area on Caney Creek section of Lone Star Hiking Trail in Sam Houston National Forest north from Montgomery. Texas, September 17, 2020Lone Star Hiking Trail, Montgomery, TX 77356, USA
Milkcap mushrooms Lactarius gerardii on muddy side of a small creek on Caney Creek Trail (Little Lake Creek Loop Trail) in Sam Houston National Forest north from Montgomery. Texas, May 29, 2022Little Lake Creek Loop Trail, Montgomery County, Texas, 77873, United States
Cap and side view of milkcap mushrooms Lactarius gerardii on muddy side of a small creek on Caney Creek Trail (Little Lake Creek Loop Trail) in Sam Houston National Forest north from Montgomery. Texas, May 29, 2022Little Lake Creek Loop Trail, Montgomery County, Texas, 77873, United States
Underside of milkcap mushrooms Lactarius gerardii on muddy side of a small creek on Caney Creek Trail (Little Lake Creek Loop Trail) in Sam Houston National Forest north from Montgomery. Texas, May 29, 2022Little Lake Creek Loop Trail, Montgomery County, Texas, 77873, United States
Milkcap mushrooms Lactarius gerardii in wet area on Caney Creek Trail (Little Lake Creek Loop Trail) in Sam Houston National Forest north from Montgomery. Texas, May 29, 2022Little Lake Creek Loop Trail, Montgomery County, Texas, 77873, United States
Spores of milkcap mushrooms Lactarius gerardii collected on Caney Creek Trail (Little Lake Creek Loop Trail) in Sam Houston National Forest north from Montgomery. Texas, May 29, 2022
Milkcap mushrooms Lactarius gerardii under small oaks in Lick Creek Park. College Station, Texas, April 16, 2024Iron Bridge Trail, College Station, Brazos County, Texas, United States
Underside of milkcap mushrooms Lactarius gerardii in Lick Creek Park. College Station, Texas, April 16, 2024Iron Bridge Trail, College Station, Brazos County, Texas, United States
Side view of milkcap mushrooms Lactarius gerardii in Lick Creek Park. College Station, Texas, April 16, 2024Iron Bridge Trail, College Station, Brazos County, Texas, United States
Spores of milkcap mushrooms Lactarius gerardii collected in Lick Creek Park. College Station, Texas, April 16, 2024Observations of Lactarius gerardii in East and Central Texas reveal that the fungus grows in various environments, including floodplains, near small creeks, and in wet areas. It has been found on Caney Creek Trail in Sam Houston National Forest, Richards Loop Trail, and Lone Star Hiking Trail, as well as in Lick Creek Park in College Station. The mushrooms typically grow in clusters, with caps ranging in color from brown to tan. The underside of the caps features gills, and spores have been collected for further study. The fungus has been observed during various times of the year, including July, September, April, and May, indicating a potentially long fruiting season. Overall, Lactarius gerardii appears to be widespread in East and Central Texas, thriving in moist environments with abundant vegetation.
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