Lactarius obscuratus is a species of milk cap fungus that grows in association with coniferous trees, particularly spruce and pine. In St. Petersburg and Leningrad Oblast, it has been found in mixed forests and heathlands, typically fruiting from late summer to early autumn. In north-western Russia, it is widely distributed and can be common in suitable habitats, often occurring in areas with acidic soils and moderate moisture levels. The fungus produces small to medium-sized caps that are initially convex and later become depressed, with a dull brown to greyish-brown color and white to cream-colored gills that exude a white milk when damaged.
Alder milkcap mushrooms (Lactarius obscuratus) between Polyany and Nizhnie Dubki near Lisiy Nos, west from Saint Petersburg. Russia, July 27, 2017 Polyanskaya dor., Sankt-Peterburg, Russia, 197755
Alder milkcap mushrooms (Lactarius obscuratus) on extension of Pervaya Polyanskaya Street between Polyany and Nizhnie Dubki near Lisiy Nos, west from Saint Petersburg. Russia, July 27, 2017 Polyanskaya dor., Sankt-Peterburg, Russia, 197755
Alder milkcap mushrooms (Lactarius obscuratus) near Lisiy Nos. West from Saint Petersburg, Russia, August 23, 2017 Polyanskaya Doroga, Sankt-Peterburg, Russia, 197755
Alder milkcap mushrooms (Lactarius obscuratus) in Blizhnie Dubki area near Lisiy Nos, west from Saint Petersburg. Russia, September 11, 2017 Polyanskaya Doroga, Sankt-Peterburg, Russia, 197755
Alder milkcap (Lactarius obscuratus) on roadside in Blizhnie Dubki area near Lisiy Nos, west from Saint Petersburg. Russia, September 11, 2017 Polyanskaya Doroga, Sankt-Peterburg, Russia, 197755
Alder milkcap mushrooms (Lactarius obscuratus) in Blizhnie Dubki area near Lisiy Nos, west from Saint Petersburg. Russia, September 21, 2017 Polyanskaya Doroga, Sankt-Peterburg, Russia, 197755
Alder milkcap mushrooms (Lactarius obscuratus) near Lisiy Nos, west from Saint Petersburg. Russia, September 1, 2018
AI-generated summary of observations
Observations of Lactarius obscuratus in Leningrad Oblast and north-western Russia reveal that the fungus is commonly found in areas with alder trees. The mushrooms were spotted between Polyany and Nizhnie Dubki near Lisiy Nos, west of Saint Petersburg, on multiple occasions: July 27, August 23, September 11 (twice), September 21, 2017, and again on September 1, 2018. They were found growing in various locations, including the extension of Pervaya Polyanskaya Street, near roadside areas, and in the Blizhnie Dubki area. The consistent sightings over a period of two years suggest that Lactarius obscuratus is a relatively common species in this region, particularly in areas with suitable host trees. The observations were made during late summer to early fall, indicating that this may be the peak season for the fungus's growth and fruiting.
Comments
Search of mushroom species for given keywords "Lactarius obscuratus" was done through
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