About Lactarius uvidus (Fr.) Fr.
The scientific name of this mushroom is Lactarius uvidus (Fr.) Fr. Its cap can reach up to around 10 centimeters (4 inches) across, and is colored beige or grey, often with an added lilac tint. Young specimens have a flat-topped cap, which often becomes depressed in the center as it ages. When damp, the cap surface is greasy or viscous. The gills are slightly decurrent, and are creamy in color; when damaged, they develop violet spots from the mushroom's milk. The milk is white when first exposed, and only turns violet when it stays in contact with the gills or the mushroom's flesh. Both the milk and the flesh have a slightly bitter taste. The pale stipe grows up to about 8 centimeters tall and 2 centimeters in diameter, and becomes hollow as the mushroom ages. This species complex grows in deciduous and coniferous woodlands, and prefers acidic soils. It has a wide distribution across Europe, North Africa, and North America; it is fairly common in some regions and rare in others. Lactarius uvidus is generally considered poisonous because of the toxins it contains, though it has also been classified as edible with reservations.
