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Suillus pictus, commonly known as the painted suillus or the dwarf slippery suillus, is a bolete mushroom in the family Suillaceae. It is characterized by its distinctive reddish-brown scales on a yellow cap, a yellow stem with reddish-brown glandular dots, and its association with Eastern White Pine (Pinus strobus).
How to Identify
- Cap
- The cap is yellow, covered with reddish-brown scales or fibrils, and slimy when wet.
- Gills
- Suillus species do not have gills. Instead, they have pores. The pores are small, angular, and yellow, becoming brownish with age. They are decurrent, meaning they run down the stem.
- Stem
- The stem is yellow with reddish-brown glandular dots. It is typically 3–7 cm (1.2–2.8 in) long and 0.5–1.5 cm (0.2–0.6 in) thick.
- Flesh
- The flesh is yellow and does not change color when bruised.
- Fruiting body
- The fruiting body of Suillus pictus is a mushroom with a cap and stem. The cap is typically 3–10 cm (1.2–3.9 in) in diameter, convex to flattened, and has a slimy texture when wet. The stem is 3–7 cm (1.2–2.8 in) long and 0.5–1.5 cm (0.2–0.6 in) thick, and is typically yellow with reddish-brown glandular dots.
- Habitat
- Suillus pictus is mycorrhizal with Eastern White Pine (Pinus strobus). It is found in eastern North America.
Key Facts
- Cap surfaces: Slimy when wet, covered with reddish-brown scales
- Growth Form: Mycorrhizal
- Spore Print: Brown
- Body color: Yellow and reddish-brown
- Odor: Mild
- Flesh bruises: Does not bruise
- Height: 3–7 cm
- Cap Diameter: 3–10 cm
- Nutrient gathering: Mycorrhizal
Safe
SafeSuillus pictus is generally considered edible, but some individuals may experience gastrointestinal upset. It is recommended to cook it thoroughly before consumption.
Quick Check
- Odor: Mild and mushroomy
- Fruiting: Late summer to fall
- Substrate: Soil, mycorrhizal with Eastern White Pine
Where to Find
Eastern North America
Suillus pictus is commonly found in eastern North America, particularly in areas with Eastern White Pine (Pinus strobus).
Finding Tips
Look near Eastern White Pine
Since Suillus pictus is mycorrhizal with Eastern White Pine, search for it near these trees.
Check in late summer and fall
This mushroom typically fruits in late summer and fall.
Similar Species
Suillus spraguei
a bolete mushroom
Also known as: Red and yellow Suillus
Scientific Classification
- Phylum
- Basidiomycota
- Class
- Agaricomycetes
- Order
- Boletales
- Family
- Suillaceae
- Genus
- Suillus
Storage Information
- Max Temperature: 4
- Freezing duration: 3 months
- Min Temperature: 2
- Refrigeration: 1 week
How to Clean
To clean Suillus pictus, gently brush off any debris. The slimy cap can be peeled if desired. Avoid soaking in water, as this can make the mushroom waterlogged.
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