Spruce Milkcap
Lactarius deterrimus
Edible
★★★☆☆
Taste rating: 3 out of 5
How to identify it
Cap
The cap is orange to orange-brown, often with concentric zones and later green patches.
Underside
The gills are orange and may turn green with age. Orange milk appears when damaged.
Stem
The stem is orange to pale orange and may have small pits. It is relatively short and stout.
Smell
Mild, fruity to resinous smell.
Occurrence and habitat
It grows with spruce, often in spruce woodland and on mossy ground.
Look-alike species
These mushrooms can resemble Spruce Milkcap. Look closely at features, habitat and images to see the differences.

Grey pine blood milkcap
Lactarius semisanguifluus
★★★★★
Good edible mushroom
See the species features above and always compare several characteristics.
Read more about Grey pine blood milkcap ›
Pine blood milkcap
Lactarius deliciosus
★★★★★
Excellent edible mushroom
See the species features above and always compare several characteristics.
Read more about Pine blood milkcap ›
Green-spotted milkcap
Lactarius semisanguifluus
★★★★★
Good edible mushroom
See the species features above and always compare several characteristics.
Read more about Green-spotted milkcap ›
Wine-red milkcap
Lactarius sanguifluus
★★★★★
Excellent edible mushroom
See the species features above and always compare several characteristics.
Read more about Wine-red milkcap ›Preparation
Clean and fry thoroughly. It is suitable for butter-fried mushrooms, stews and pickling.
Recipe suggestions
Fried Spruce Milkcap with butter, onion and dill.
Images – study the mushroom from several angles
Click an image to display it as the main image.





⚠ Important safety information
Habitat is important: Spruce Milkcap is associated with spruce. Always compare it with other milkcaps before eating.
Habitat is important: Spruce Milkcap is associated with spruce. Always compare it with other milkcaps before eating.
Facts and sources
Sources
Svampguiden; SLU Artdatabanken/Artfakta
Svampguiden; SLU Artdatabanken/Artfakta
Checked batch 10 – factual text compiled against