Lactarius proximellus is a small to medium-sized mushroom with a velvety, reddish-brown to orange-brown cap, often with a depressed center, and white to pale yellow gills. The stem is typically slender and colored similarly to the cap. In East and Central Texas, it is commonly found in association with oak and pine trees, particularly in sandy soils and under hardwood canopies. Fruiting typically occurs from summer to early fall, with specimens often appearing singly or in small groups.
Milkcap mushrooms (Lactarius proximellus) under oaks in Lick Creek Park. College Station, Texas, November 12, 2013 Iron Bridge Trail, College Station, TX 77845, USA
Milkcap mushrooms Lactarius proximellus in Lick Creek Park. College Station, Texas, November 9, 2018 Iron Bridge Trail, College Station, TX 77845, USA
Milkcap mushrooms Lactarius proximellus under oaks in Lick Creek Park. College Station, Texas, November 9, 2018 Iron Bridge Trail, College Station, TX 77845, USA
Milkcap mushrooms Lactarius proximellus under oaks in Lick Creek Park. College Station, Texas, December 2, 2018 Iron Bridge Trail, College Station, TX 77845, USA
Gills of milkcap mushrooms Lactarius proximellus in Lick Creek Park. College Station, Texas, December 2, 2018 Iron Bridge Trail, College Station, TX 77845, USA
Milkcap mushrooms Lactarius proximellus in Big Creek Scenic Area of Sam Houston National Forest. Shepherd, Texas, November 2, 2019 Lone Star Hiking Trail, Coldspring, TX 77331, USA
Milkcap mushrooms Lactarius proximellus in Big Creek Scenic Area of Sam Houston National Forest. Shepherd, Texas, October 11, 2020 Lone Star Hiking Trail, Coldspring, TX 77331, USA
Milkcap mushrooms Lactarius proximellus(?) in Watson Rare Native Plant Preserve. Warren, Texas, October 17, 2020 527 Red Oak Ln, Warren, TX 77664, USA
Milkcap mushrooms Lactarius proximellus under small oaks in Lick Creek Park. College Station, Texas, January 21, 2021 Iron Bridge Trail, College Station, TX 77845, USA
Orange cap of milkcap mushrooms Lactarius proximellus under small oaks in Lick Creek Park. College Station, Texas, January 21, 2021 Iron Bridge Trail, College Station, TX 77845, USA
Cross section of milkcap mushrooms Lactarius proximellus under small oaks in Lick Creek Park. College Station, Texas, January 21, 2021 Iron Bridge Trail, College Station, TX 77845, USA
Milkcap mushrooms Lactarius proximellus together with L. rimosellus on Richards Loop Trail in Sam Houston National Forest. Texas, June 2, 2021 Little Lake Creek Loop Trail, Montgomery, TX 77356, USA
Milkcap mushrooms Lactarius proximellus in Lick Creek Park. College Station, Texas, November 22, 2021 Iron Bridge Trail, College Station, Brazos County, Texas, United States
Cap and gills of milkcap mushrooms Lactarius proximellus in Lick Creek Park. College Station, Texas, November 22, 2021 Iron Bridge Trail, College Station, Brazos County, Texas, United States
Milkcap mushrooms Lactarius proximellus south from Northern Trailhead for the Turkey Creek Trail of Big Thicket National Preserve. Warren, Texas, November 27, 2021 Farm-to-Market Road 1943, Warren, Texas 77664, United States
Cross section of milkcap mushrooms Lactarius proximellus south from Northern Trailhead for the Turkey Creek Trail of Big Thicket National Preserve. Warren, Texas, November 27, 2021 Farm-to-Market Road 1943, Warren, Texas 77664, United States
Milkcap mushrooms Lactarius proximellus under blackjack oaks in Lick Creek Park. College Station, Texas, November 29, 2021 Iron Bridge Trail, College Station, Brazos County, Texas, United States
Milkcap mushrooms Lactarius proximellus on Iron Bridge Trail in Lick Creek Park. College Station, Texas, February 3, 2023 Iron Bridge Trail, College Station, Brazos County, Texas, United States
Cross section of milkcap mushrooms Lactarius proximellus on Iron Bridge Trail in Lick Creek Park. College Station, Texas, February 3, 2023 Iron Bridge Trail, College Station, Brazos County, Texas, United States
Young milkcap mushrooms Lactarius proximellus in Lick Creek Park. College Station, Texas, February 3, 2023 Iron Bridge Trail, College Station, Brazos County, Texas, United States
Milkcap mushrooms Lactarius proximellus on Yaupon Loop Trail in Lick Creek Park. College Station, Texas, December 1, 2023 Yaupon Loop Trail, College Station, Brazos County, Texas, United States
Gills of milkcap mushrooms Lactarius proximellus on Yaupon Loop Trail in Lick Creek Park. College Station, Texas, December 1, 2023 Yaupon Loop Trail, College Station, Brazos County, Texas, United States
Cap of a milkcap mushroom Lactarius proximellus on Closed Trail in Lick Creek Park. College Station, Texas, December 4, 2023 Iron Bridge Trail, College Station, Brazos County, Texas, United States
Milkcap mushroom Lactarius proximellus in pincushion moss (Leucobryum glaucum) on Closed Trail in Lick Creek Park. College Station, Texas, December 4, 2023 Iron Bridge Trail, College Station, Brazos County, Texas, United States
Milkcap mushrooms Lactarius proximellus on Closed Trail in Lick Creek Park. College Station, Texas, December 4, 2023 Iron Bridge Trail, College Station, Brazos County, Texas, United States
AI-generated summary of observations
The fungus Lactarius proximellus was observed in East and Central Texas from 2013 to 2023. Most sightings were in Lick Creek Park, College Station, under oaks, particularly blackjack oaks. Observations were made throughout the year, with a concentration in November and December. The mushrooms were often found in association with small oaks and were observed on various trails within the park. Additional sightings occurred in Sam Houston National Forest, Watson Rare Native Plant Preserve, and Big Thicket National Preserve. The observations included descriptions of the mushroom's cap, gills, and cross-section, as well as its habitat and associated vegetation, such as pincushion moss. The consistent presence of Lactarius proximellus in these areas suggests a stable population in East and Central Texas.