08/26/2026
It’s not the end of summer until I find at least one of these mushrooms. This impressive and brightly coloured species is Lactarius indigo: also known as the indigo milk cap. This is one of those mushrooms that really gets peoples attention!
Lactarius mushrooms are unique among mushrooms in that when the flesh or tissue of the fruiting body is damaged, it will releases latex, which can be at times very colourful. The name Lactarius is derived from lactose or to lactate, referring to milk, and it is true that many Lactarius mushroom species produce a white milk-like fluid.
The indigo milkcap, true to its namesake, produces a deep blue latex in addition to having a stem / stipe, gills and cap that are all different shades of blue. The top of the cap often becomes concave when mature, and boasts concentric rings in various shades of blue that radiate out from the centre or the cap.
The stem / stipe of the mushroom is often hollow inside, and the fruiting bodies are eagerly preyed upon by a variety of different fungi-loving insects. Lactarius mushrooms are mycorrhizal, and thus form mutually beneficial symbiotic relationships with specific plants in their local ecological community.
This highly charismatic and other-worldly mushroom is often encountered only on occasion, but can sometimes be locally abundant. Rarely do I find more than 1 or 2, even if I am walking through suitable habitat all day long. Finding 4 in a single day last week was a real surprise.
This species is also edible, despite perhaps looking as if it shouldn’t be. However, I personally find the texture and the flavour of cooked indigo milk caps to have no any redeeming qualities whatsoever and honestly not worth it.
