About Lactarius pyrogalus (Bull.) Fr.
Lactarius pyrogalus has a cap 5–10 cm (2–4 inches) across, colored grey fawn, sometimes with a yellowish tinge, and may occasionally show pink or purple tinges. The cap changes shape from flattened convex to flat, and later becomes funnel shaped. It is sometimes faintly marked with concentric bands, has thin flesh, becomes sticky when moist, and is not shiny. The stem measures 4–6 cm long and 7–15 mm thick. It is generally cylindrical, sometimes slightly swollen at the base, and is whitish or matches the cap color, with whitish flesh. The gills are slightly decurrent, ranging from yellow to flesh-colored, and eventually turn cinnamon-ochre. The well-spaced yellow gills distinguish this species from other greyish Lactarius species. Lactarius pyrogalus is fairly common. It grows alone or in scattered groups, usually at the base of hazel trees, and is particularly common in coppice-managed hazel woodland. It can also grow on the ground elsewhere in mixed woodland. It appears in autumn, during the months of August, September, and October.
