It is an edible mushroom native to most of Europe as well as in bogs and conifer forests of Canada, the Great Lakes region and the north-eastern United States.

[3] Lactarius salmonicolor can be found throughout most of Europe (see map) from September to November, the species' growing season.

[3][1] The top of the pileus is an orange-reddish color, with rare spots of green in older decaying specimens.

[1][3][4] On the underside of the cap, the lamellas are evenly spaced, with gills occasionally splitting as they become decurrent on the beginning of the stipe.

Due to its common use throughout different cultures of Europe, it has developed many common names such as "fungo del sangue" ("blood fungus" in Italian), "lactaire couleur de saumon" ("salmon colored milk cap" in French), "milky agaric" (UK), and many more.