How to identify Yellow Knight

To correctly identify Yellow Knight (Tricholoma equestre), 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.

   Convex to flattened, 4–10 cm in diameter, often with a broad umbo, smooth, slimy when moist, yellow with an olive-brown center.

2. 2

   Gills

   Attachment to stem, color, and spacing.

   Adnate to adnexed, crowded closely together, yellow.

3. 3

   Stem

   Length, shape, surface, and any ring.

   4–7 cm long, 1–2 cm thick, white to pale yellow.

4. 4

   Flesh

   Color, texture, and bruising reaction.

   White to pale yellow, mild, farinaceous odor and taste.

5. 5

   Fruiting body

   Overall growth pattern.

   The cap of Tricholoma equestre is convex to flattened, 4–10 cm (1.6–3.9 in) in diameter, and often has a broad umbo. The cap surface is smooth, and slimy when moist. The gills are adnate to adnexed, crowded closely together, and yellow. The stem is 4–7 cm (1.6–2.8 in) long, 1–2 cm (0.4–0.8 in) thick, and white to pale yellow. The flesh is white to pale yellow, and has a mild, farinaceous odor and taste.

6. 6

   Habitat

   Where it grows and on what substrate.

   Grows in coniferous forests, often near pine trees. It is found in Europe and North America.

Key Facts

Cap surfaces

Smooth, slimy when moist

Growth Form

Solitary to scattered

Spore Print

White

Body color

Yellow

Odor

Farinaceous

Flesh bruises

No bruising

Height

4–7 cm

Cap Diameter

4–10 cm

Fruit body characteristics

• Gill attachment: Adnate to adnexed
• Stem shape: Cylindrical
• Stem surface: Smooth
• Ring: Absent
• Stem cross-section: Solid

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