Lactarius alpinus  Peck (1875)                                                                               *Collections: Bulgaria

This interesting milk cap was described from North America by Peck, but has gained acceptance in Europe as well. It is associated with alder (Alnus viridis) and can be found in montane areas -- mainly in wet spots, seepage areas, along streams, etc. The milk is white and mild. Compare to the Western North American variety of Lactarius alpinus var. mitis. The two species are almost the same morphologically and undoubtedly closely related. It is unlikely that they will appear the same species if looked molecularly, but the more interesting question is whether they could mate.