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The Chicken Fat Bolete (Suillus americanus) is a distinctive mushroom known for its yellowish, greasy-looking cap and its association with Eastern White Pine trees. It is an edible mushroom, but caution should be exercised to avoid confusion with other boletes.
How to Identify
- Cap
- The cap is typically 3-10 cm in diameter, yellow to yellowish-orange, and often greasy or slimy when wet. It is convex when young, becoming more flattened with age.
- Gills
- N/A - this mushroom has pores instead of gills. The pores are small, angular, and yellowish, often bruising brownish.
- Stem
- The stem is yellow, often with granular or dotted texture, and lacks a ring.
- Flesh
- The flesh is yellow and does not typically change color when cut.
- Fruiting body
- Overall, the mushroom has a yellowish, greasy appearance, especially when moist.
- Habitat
- Grows in association with Eastern White Pine trees in coniferous forests.
Key Facts
- Cap surfaces: Greasy or slimy when wet
- Growth Form: Solitary or in small groups
- Spore Print: Cinnamon brown
- Body color: Yellow to yellowish-orange
- Odor: Mild and not distinctive
- Flesh bruises: No significant bruising
- Height: 3-8 cm
- Cap Diameter: 3-10 cm
- Nutrient gathering: Mycorrhizal
Safe
Mild ToxicityWhile Suillus americanus is considered edible, some individuals may experience gastrointestinal upset. It is important to cook it thoroughly. Also, be cautious of look-alikes and ensure proper identification.
Quick Check
- Odor: Mild
- Fruiting: Summer and fall
- Substrate: Near Eastern White Pine trees
Where to Find
North America
Found in North America, particularly in areas with Eastern White Pine.
Coniferous Forests
Prefers growing in coniferous forests, especially under pine trees.
Finding Tips
Association with Pines
Look for these mushrooms near Eastern White Pine trees.
Post-Rainfall Appearance
They often appear after rainfall during the summer and fall.
Similar Species
Suillus luteus
Bolete
Also known as: Slippery Jack
Suillus pictus
Bolete
Also known as: Painted Suillus
Scientific Classification
- Phylum
- Basidiomycota
- Class
- Agaricomycetes
- Order
- Boletales
- Family
- Suillaceae
- Genus
- Suillus
Storage Information
- Max Temperature: 25
- Freezing duration: 3 months
- Min Temperature: 2
- Refrigeration: 3-5 days
How to Clean
Clean the Chicken Fat Bolete by gently wiping the cap and stem with a damp cloth. Remove any debris or pine needles. The pore surface can be peeled off if desired.
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