How to identify Slippery Jack

To correctly identify Slippery Jack (Suillus luteus), 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 5-10 cm in diameter, glutinous (slimy when wet), and brown in color, ranging from yellowish-brown to chocolate brown. It is convex when young, becoming more flattened with age.

2. 2

   Gills

   Attachment to stem, color, and spacing.

   Instead of gills, Suillus luteus has pores on the underside of the cap. These pores are small, angular, and yellowish, turning brownish with age. They are easily detachable from the cap.

3. 3

   Stem

   Length, shape, surface, and any ring.

   The stem is 4-8 cm long and 1-2 cm thick, yellowish in color, and often has a ring (annulus) that is whitish to purplish-brown. The stem surface is often dotted with glandular dots above the ring.

4. 4

   Flesh

   Color, texture, and bruising reaction.

   The flesh is soft, yellowish, and may have a slightly acidic taste.

5. 5

   Fruiting body

   Overall growth pattern.

   The fruiting body of Suillus luteus is a mushroom with a distinct cap and stem structure.

6. 6

   Habitat

   Where it grows and on what substrate.

   Suillus luteus is commonly found in coniferous forests, particularly under pine trees. It forms a mycorrhizal relationship with the roots of the trees.

Key Facts

Cap surfaces

Glutinous when wet

Growth Form

Mushroom

Spore Print

Brown

Body color

Brown, Yellow

Odor

Mild

Flesh bruises

No bruising

Height

4-8 cm

Cap Diameter

5-10 cm

Fruit body characteristics

• Gill attachment: Pores, easily detachable
• Stem shape: Cylindrical
• Stem surface: Glandular dots above the ring
• Ring: Present, whitish to purplish-brown
• Stem cross-section: Solid

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