How to identify Sandy Bolete

To correctly identify Sandy Bolete (Suillus variegatus), 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 5-15 cm in diameter, convex, and becomes flattened with age. The color ranges from yellowish-brown to ochre, often with darker spots or streaks. The surface is dry but can be slightly sticky when wet.

2. 2

   Gills

   Attachment to stem, color, and spacing.

   Suillus species do not have gills. Instead, they have pores. The pores of Suillus variegatus are small, angular, and yellowish to olive-brown. They bruise darker when handled.

3. 3

   Stem

   Length, shape, surface, and any ring.

   The stem is 4-10 cm long and 1-2 cm thick, cylindrical or slightly club-shaped. It is yellowish-brown in color and may have brownish granules or spots.

4. 4

   Flesh

   Color, texture, and bruising reaction.

   The flesh is yellowish, sometimes bruising bluish-green when cut or damaged.

5. 5

   Fruiting body

   Overall growth pattern.

   The fruiting body of Suillus variegatus has a convex cap that flattens with age. The surface is typically dry and slightly sticky when moist. The pores are small and angular, yellowish to olive-brown, bruising darker when handled.

6. 6

   Habitat

   Where it grows and on what substrate.

   Suillus variegatus is found in coniferous forests, often associated with pine trees. It fruits from summer to autumn.

Key Facts

Cap surfaces

Dry, slightly sticky when moist

Growth Form

Mycorrhizal

Spore Print

Olive-brown

Body color

Yellowish-brown to ochre

Odor

Mild, mushroomy

Flesh bruises

Sometimes bluish-green

Height

4-10 cm

Cap Diameter

5-15 cm

Fruit body characteristics

• Gill attachment: Pores, not gills
• Stem shape: Cylindrical to slightly club-shaped
• Stem surface: Dry, may have brownish granules
• Ring: Absent
• Stem cross-section: Solid

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