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Chroogomphus rutilus, commonly known as the Pine Spike, is a distinctive mushroom belonging to the family Gomphidiaceae. It is characterized by its reddish-brown to coppery-orange cap, often with a slimy or viscid surface when moist, and its decurrent, widely spaced, grayish-brown gills that darken with age due to the accumulation of dark spores. This species forms a mycorrhizal relationship primarily with pine trees, making it a common sight in coniferous forests.
How to Identify
- Cap
- The cap is typically 4-12 cm in diameter, convex to broadly convex or nearly flat with age, often with a central umbo. The color ranges from reddish-brown, coppery-orange, to purplish-brown. The surface is smooth, viscid or slimy when moist, and shiny when dry. The margin is often inrolled when young and may have remnants of the partial veil.
- Gills
- The gills are decurrent (running down the stem), widely spaced, thick, and waxy. They are initially grayish-orange to yellowish-orange, becoming smoky gray to blackish-brown with age as spores mature. They are often forked near the stem.
- Stem
- The stem is 4-12 cm long and 1-2.5 cm thick, tapering towards the base or sometimes nearly cylindrical. It is concolorous with the cap or slightly paler, often with a yellowish base. The surface is smooth or finely fibrillose, and a faint, often incomplete, ring or fibrillose zone may be present from the partial veil, which is often glutinous. The stem is solid.
- Flesh
- The flesh is thick, firm, and yellowish-orange to reddish-orange, sometimes staining slightly reddish when cut. It has a mild taste and no distinctive odor.
- Fruiting body
- The fruiting body is agaricoid, meaning it has a cap and stem with gills.
- Habitat
- Chroogomphus rutilus is mycorrhizal, forming a symbiotic relationship with pine trees (Pinus species). It is found growing solitarily or scattered on the ground in coniferous forests, particularly under pines.
Key Facts
- Cap surfaces: Viscid (slimy) when moist, shiny when dry
- Growth Form: Solitary to scattered
- Spore Print: Smoky gray to blackish-brown
- Body color: Reddish-brown, coppery-orange, purplish-brown
- Odor: Mild
- Flesh bruises: No significant bruising, sometimes slightly reddish
- Height: 4-12 cm
- Cap Diameter: 4-12 cm
- Nutrient gathering: Mycorrhizal with pine trees
Safe
SafeChroogomphus rutilus is generally considered edible, though not highly prized. It has a mild flavor and a somewhat chewy texture. However, it is crucial to correctly identify this mushroom, as some toxic look-alikes exist. Always cook thoroughly before consumption. Some individuals may experience mild gastrointestinal upset if consumed raw or in large quantities.
Quick Check
- Odor: Mild, not distinctive
- Fruiting: Late summer to late autumn
- Substrate: Ground, mycorrhizal with pine trees
Where to Find
Coniferous Forests
Primarily found in coniferous forests, especially those dominated by pine trees (Pinus spp.).
Pine Plantations
Common in pine plantations and mixed woodlands where pines are present.
Acidic Soils
Prefers acidic, well-drained soils typical of pine habitats.
Finding Tips
Look under Pines
Always search for Chroogomphus rutilus in close proximity to pine trees, as it forms a mycorrhizal association with them.
Seasonal Timing
Fruiting typically occurs from late summer through autumn, and sometimes into early winter in milder climates.
Check for Viscid Caps
After rain or in moist conditions, the cap will be noticeably slimy or viscid, which is a key identification feature.
Observe Gill Color Change
The gills will transition from yellowish-orange to dark gray or blackish-brown as the mushroom matures and spores develop.
Similar Species
Chroogomphus vinicolor
fungus
Also known as: Wine-cap Gomphidius
Chroogomphus subroseus
fungus
Also known as: Rosy Gomphidius
Gomphidius glutinosus
fungus
Also known as: Slime Spike
Scientific Classification
- Phylum
- Basidiomycota
- Class
- Agaricomycetes
- Order
- Boletales
- Family
- Gomphidiaceae
- Genus
- Chroogomphus
Storage Information
- Max Temperature: 4°C
- Freezing duration: 6 months
- Min Temperature: 1°C
- Refrigeration: 5 days
How to Clean
Gently wipe the cap and stem with a damp cloth or soft brush to remove any debris. The viscid cap can sometimes pick up a lot of pine needles or dirt, which may require careful peeling of the outer layer if heavily soiled. Avoid washing under running water as mushrooms can absorb excess moisture.
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