How to identify Chicken Fat Bolete

To correctly identify Chicken Fat Bolete (Suillus americanus), check each of these features in order. Misidentification is the most common cause of mushroom poisoning, so cross-reference multiple sources.

Step-by-step identification

1. 1

   Cap

   Shape, color, surface texture, and diameter.

   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.

2. 2

   Gills

   Attachment to stem, color, and spacing.

   N/A - this mushroom has pores instead of gills. The pores are small, angular, and yellowish, often bruising brownish.

3. 3

   Stem

   Length, shape, surface, and any ring.

   The stem is yellow, often with granular or dotted texture, and lacks a ring.

4. 4

   Flesh

   Color, texture, and bruising reaction.

   The flesh is yellow and does not typically change color when cut.

5. 5

   Fruiting body

   Overall growth pattern.

   Overall, the mushroom has a yellowish, greasy appearance, especially when moist.

6. 6

   Habitat

   Where it grows and on what substrate.

   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

Fruit body characteristics

• Gill attachment: N/A (pores instead of gills)
• Stem shape: Cylindrical or slightly tapered
• Stem surface: Granular or dotted
• Ring: Absent
• Stem cross-section: Solid

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