How to identify Hollow-stemmed larch bolete

To correctly identify Hollow-stemmed larch bolete (Suillus cavipes), 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.

   3-10 cm diameter, dry, fibrillose or slightly scaly, reddish-brown to tawny-brown.

2. 2

   Gills

   Attachment to stem, color, and spacing.

   Pores are large, angular, and decurrent, yellowish to brownish at maturity.

3. 3

   Stem

   Length, shape, surface, and any ring.

   Hollow, central, with a membranous ring, concolorous with the cap.

4. 4

   Flesh

   Color, texture, and bruising reaction.

   Whitish to yellowish, unchanging or slightly brownish when cut, hollow in the stem.

5. 5

   Fruiting body

   Overall growth pattern.

   Small to medium, with a hollow stem and decurrent pore surface.

6. 6

   Habitat

   Where it grows and on what substrate.

   Exclusively associated with Larix (larch) species in mixed or coniferous forests.

Key Facts

Cap surfaces

Dry, fibrillose or scaly.

Growth Form

Solitary or in small groups.

Spore Print

Yellowish-brown to olive-brown.

Body color

Reddish-brown to orange-brown.

Odor

Mild, pleasant.

Flesh bruises

Does not change color significantly.

Height

5-10 cm

Cap Diameter

3-10 cm

Fruit body characteristics

• Gill attachment: Decurrent
• Stem shape: Cylindrical
• Stem surface: Fibrillose
• Ring: Membranous, fragile ring often present.
• Stem cross-section: Hollow

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