Lactifluus glaucescens is a species of mushroom characterized by its grayish-blue to bluish-green cap, often with yellow or brown tones, and white to pale yellow gills that produce a milk-like latex when damaged. In East and Central Texas, it typically fruits in late summer to early fall, often associated with oak trees, particularly live oaks and post oaks, in woodland environments. The fungus can be found growing solitary or in small groups on the ground, with caps ranging from 2-6 cm in diameter.
Pale yellow milkcap mushrooms Lactifluus glaucescens (Lactarius glaucescens) on Caney Creek Trail (Little Lake Creek Loop Trail) in Sam Houston National Forest, near Huntsville. Texas, June 9, 2018 Little Lake Creek Loop Trail, Montgomery, TX 77356, USA
Gills of pale yellow milkcap mushrooms Lactifluus glaucescens (Lactarius glaucescens) on Caney Creek Trail (Little Lake Creek Loop Trail) in Sam Houston National Forest, near Huntsville. Texas, June 9, 2018 Little Lake Creek Loop Trail, Montgomery, TX 77356, USA
Underside of milkcap mushroom Lactifluus glaucescens on Kiwanis Nature Trail. College Station, Texas, May 16, 2022 College Hills Elementary, Kiwanis Nature Trail, College Station, Brazos County, Texas, 77843, United States
Milkcap mushroom Lactifluus glaucescens on Kiwanis Nature Trail. College Station, Texas, May 16, 2022 College Hills Elementary, Kiwanis Nature Trail, College Station, Brazos County, Texas, 77843, United States
Spores of milkcap mushroom Lactifluus glaucescens collected on Kiwanis Nature Trail. College Station, Texas, May 16, 2022
Gills and greenish milk of a milkcap mushroom Lactifluus glaucescens in Pole Creek area of Sam Houston National Forest near Montgomery. Texas, September 16, 2022 Lone Star Hiking Trail, Montgomery County, Texas, United States
Cross section of a milkcap mushroom Lactifluus glaucescens in Pole Creek area of Sam Houston National Forest near Montgomery. Texas, September 16, 2022 Lone Star Hiking Trail, Montgomery County, Texas, United States
AI-generated summary of observations
Observations of Lactifluus glaucescens in East and Central Texas reveal the fungus's distinctive characteristics. The pale yellow milkcap mushrooms were found on Caney Creek Trail in Sam Houston National Forest, near Huntsville, with gills that produce a greenish milk. Similar observations were made on Kiwanis Nature Trail in College Station, where the underside of the mushroom was also examined. Spores collected from this location provided further insight into the fungus's structure. Additional sightings in the Pole Creek area of Sam Houston National Forest near Montgomery showed the mushrooms' gills and cross-section, confirming their identification as Lactifluus glaucescens. These observations span multiple locations and dates, including June 2018, May 2022, and September 2022, highlighting the fungus's presence in East and Central Texas. The consistent characteristics observed across these sightings support the identification of Lactifluus glaucescens.