Lactarius lignyotus, also known as Velvet Milkcap, is a dark brown, velvety Lactarius that grows under conifers and features fairly well-spaced gills, a long stem that is nearly as dark as the cap. It exudes white milk that usually stains the flesh and the gills pinkish. The mushroom is primarily found in various types of woodland habitats, often associated with coniferous trees, especially pine and spruce trees.

Cap mid-to dark brown with a velvety surface. At first convex with an inrolled margin, becoming flat or shallowly depressed, often with a central depression. The flesh is white. Gills slightly decurrent, either close or somewhat distant. They are initially white or whitish and remain pale, but as the milk dries and the spores mature, they may turn pinkish or orangish in old age. Stem dry and has a texture and colour similar to the cap, except for a whitish base. It is more or less equal in width and does not have a ring. Spore print creamy white to orangish yellow.

Microscopic Features: The spores measure 8-10 µ and have a globose or broadly elliptical shape. They are ornamented with 1-2 µ high amyloid spines and ridges that form partial reticulations.

Lactarius lignyotus on the MushroomExpert.Com Web site.