Synonym: Lactarius repraesentaneus.
Common name: yellow bearded milkcap.
Lactarius speciosus is a species of mushroom that grows on the ground in association with oak trees. In East and Central Texas, it typically fruits from June to October, producing medium-sized caps that are 3-6 cm in diameter, convex to flat in shape, and reddish-brown to orange-brown in color. The gills are crowded, narrow, and pale yellow, turning pinkish-buff with age. The stem is similar in color to the cap, 3-6 cm long, and 0.5-1.5 cm thick. This fungus is common in the region's oak woodlands and can be found in a variety of habitats, including deciduous forests and woodland edges.
Yellow bearded milkcap mushrooms Lactarius speciosus on Kirby Trail in Big Thicket National Preserve. Warren, Texas, November 10, 2018
Kirby Nature Trail, Kountze, TX 77625, USA
Zoned milkcap mushrooms Lactarius speciosus on Chinquapin Trail in Huntsville State Park. Texas, November 21, 2018State Park Rd 40, New Waverly, TX 77358, USA
Cross section of zoned milkcap mushrooms Lactarius speciosus on Chinquapin Trail in Huntsville State Park. Texas, November 21, 2018State Park Rd 40, New Waverly, TX 77358, USA
Milkcap mushrooms Lactarius speciosus in Big Creek Scenic Area of Sam Houston National Forest. Shepherd, Texas, November 23, 2018Big Creek Trail, Shepherd, TX 77371, USA
Milkcap mushroom Lactarius speciosus(?) on Winters Bayou Trail in Sam Houston National Forest. Cleveland, Texas, October 27, 2019Lone Star Hiking Trail, Cleveland, TX 77328, USA
Gills of milkcap mushroom Lactarius speciosus(?) on Winters Bayou Trail in Sam Houston National Forest. Cleveland, Texas, October 27, 2019Lone Star Hiking Trail, Cleveland, TX 77328, USA
Milkcap mushrooms Lactarius speciosus on a property at 5369 Farm to Market Road 770 near Kountze. Texas, November 9, 20195369 Farm to Market Rd 770, Kountze, TX 77625, USA
Yellow bearded milkcap mushrooms (Lactarius speciosus) under juniper, hackberry, oaks in Washington-on-the-Brazos State Historic Site. Washington, Texas, May 15, 2024Washington-on-the-Brazos State Historic Site, 23400, Park Road 12, Washington, Washington County, Texas, 77880, United States
Underside of yellow bearded milkcap mushrooms (Lactarius speciosus) under juniper, hackberry, oaks in Washington-on-the-Brazos State Historic Site. Washington, Texas, May 15, 2024Washington-on-the-Brazos State Historic Site, 23400, Park Road 12, Washington, Washington County, Texas, 77880, United States
Gills of yellow bearded milkcap mushrooms (Lactarius speciosus) under juniper, hackberry, oaks in Washington-on-the-Brazos State Historic Site. Washington, Texas, May 15, 2024Washington-on-the-Brazos State Historic Site, 23400, Park Road 12, Washington, Washington County, Texas, 77880, United States
Section of yellow bearded milkcap mushrooms (Lactarius speciosus) in Washington-on-the-Brazos State Historic Site. Washington, Texas, May 15, 2024Washington-on-the-Brazos State Historic Site, 23400, Park Road 12, Washington, Washington County, Texas, 77880, United States
Spores of yellow bearded milkcap mushrooms (Lactarius speciosus) under juniper, hackberry, oaks, collected in Washington-on-the-Brazos State Historic Site. Washington, Texas, May 15, 2024Observations of Lactarius speciosus in East and Central Texas reveal its presence in various locations, including Big Thicket National Preserve, Huntsville State Park, Sam Houston National Forest, and Washington-on-the-Brazos State Historic Site. The fungus was found growing under different tree species, such as juniper, hackberry, and oaks. Multiple sightings were recorded between 2018 and 2024, with notable observations on Kirby Trail, Chinquapin Trail, and Winters Bayou Trail. The mushrooms were often described as yellow bearded milkcap or zoned milkcap, with characteristic gills and spores. Cross-sections and underside views of the mushrooms were also documented, providing further insight into their morphology. Additionally, observations were made on private property near Kountze, highlighting the fungus's widespread distribution in the region.
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