Growing up through soil underneath unknown tree in deep shade.
Chaparral. Growing beneath Sambucus cerulea.
Ribes malvaceum, Heteromeles arbutifolia
Found in live oak and bay laurel leaf litter
Under pine tree in Griffith park
Comments
Lactarius alnicola is distinguished by a viscid, vanilla-colored, slightly zonate cap, white, usually unchanging latex and a yellow-brown spotted stipe. It is rather common in our area under Quercus agrifolia (coast live oak) where inexperienced collectors sometimes mistake if for the yellow chanterelle, Cantharellus cibarius. It is a mistake made only once as the taste is unforgettably peppery. Ironically, despite its species name, Lactarius alnicola is not common under alder.
Cap about 8cm, firm texture, no stains (looks like a squirrel took some bites)