Lactarius ruginosus is a small to medium-sized mushroom with a reddish-brown to rust-colored cap, often with a depressed center, and white to pale yellow gills. The stem is similar in color to the cap, and the flesh is white with a mild to slightly sweet odor. In East and Central Texas, Lactarius ruginosus typically fruits from June to October, often in association with oak and pine trees, particularly in woodland edges and along streams. It can be found in a variety of habitats, including sandy soils and rich loams, and is considered a relatively common species in the region.
Milkcap mushrooms (Lactarius) of subgenus Plinthogalus (Lactarius lignyotus var. canadensis or may be Lactarius texensis) together with a larger species Lactarius ruginosus(?) to the right in Lick Creek Park. College Station, Texas, June 5, 2020 Iron Bridge Trail, College Station, TX 77845, USA
Milkcap mushrooms (Lactarius ruginosus(?)) together with Xanthoconium affine in Lick Creek Park. College Station, Texas, June 9, 2020 Iron Bridge Trail, College Station, TX 77845, USA
Dissected milkcap mushrooms (Lactarius ruginosus(?)) in Lick Creek Park. College Station, Texas, June 9, 2020 Iron Bridge Trail, College Station, TX 77845, USA
Underside of milkcap mushrooms (Lactarius ruginosus(?)) in Lick Creek Park. College Station, Texas, June 9, 2020 Iron Bridge Trail, College Station, TX 77845, USA
Top view of milkcap mushrooms (Lactarius ruginosus(?)) in Lick Creek Park. College Station, Texas, June 9, 2020 Iron Bridge Trail, College Station, TX 77845, USA
Cross section of milkcap mushrooms (Lactarius ruginosus(?)) in Lick Creek Park. College Station, Texas, June 9, 2020 Iron Bridge Trail, College Station, TX 77845, USA
Milkcap mushrooms Lactarius ruginosus on Winters Bayou Trail in Sam Houston National Forest. Cleveland, Texas, July 18, 2021 Lone Star Hiking Trail, Cleveland, TX 77328, USA
Side view of milkcap mushrooms Lactarius ruginosus on Winters Bayou Trail in Sam Houston National Forest. Cleveland, Texas, July 18, 2021 Lone Star Hiking Trail, Cleveland, TX 77328, USA
Gills of milkcap mushrooms Lactarius ruginosus on Winters Bayou Trail in Sam Houston National Forest. Cleveland, Texas, July 18, 2021 Lone Star Hiking Trail, Cleveland, TX 77328, USA
Milkcap mushrooms Lactarius ruginosus under post oaks in Lick Creek Park. College Station, Texas, May 17, 2022 Iron Bridge Trail, College Station, Brazos County, Texas, United States
Side view of milkcap mushrooms Lactarius ruginosus under post oaks in Lick Creek Park. College Station, Texas, May 17, 2022 Iron Bridge Trail, College Station, Brazos County, Texas, United States
Spores of milkcap mushrooms Lactarius ruginosus collected in Lick Creek Park. College Station, Texas, May 17, 2022
Milkcap mushrooms Lactarius ruginosus on Caney Creek Trail (Little Lake Creek Loop Trail) in Sam Houston National Forest north from Montgomery. Texas, September 17, 2022 Little Lake Creek Loop Trail, Montgomery County, Texas, 77873, United States
Underside of a milkcap mushroom Lactarius ruginosus on Caney Creek Trail (Little Lake Creek Loop Trail) in Sam Houston National Forest north from Montgomery. Texas, September 17, 2022 Little Lake Creek Loop Trail, Montgomery County, Texas, 77873, United States
Spores of milkcap mushrooms Lactarius ruginosus collected on Caney Creek Trail (Little Lake Creek Loop Trail) in Sam Houston National Forest north from Montgomery. Texas, September 17, 2022
AI-generated summary of observations
Lactarius ruginosus was observed in East and Central Texas, specifically in Lick Creek Park, College Station, and Sam Houston National Forest, Cleveland and Montgomery. The fungus was found growing under post oaks and near trails. Observations were made on various dates between June 2020 and September 2022. The mushrooms were described and photographed from different angles, including top view, side view, underside, and cross section. Spores were also collected and examined. The species was often found in association with other fungi, such as Xanthoconium affine. The observations suggest that Lactarius ruginosus is present in the region and can be found in wooded areas, particularly under oak trees. The fungus appears to fruit in the summer months, with sightings recorded in June, July, and September.