How to identify American Matsutake

To correctly identify American Matsutake (Tricholoma murrillianum), 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 convex to broadly convex, often with a slightly inrolled margin when young. The color ranges from whitish to buff or light brown, often with darker brown or reddish-brown stains or scales. The surface is often sticky or slimy when moist.

2. 2

   Gills

   Attachment to stem, color, and spacing.

   The gills are crowded, adnate to slightly decurrent, and white to cream-colored.

3. 3

   Stem

   Length, shape, surface, and any ring.

   The stem is stout, solid, and white to light brown, often with a ring or ring zone. The stem surface can be smooth to slightly scaly or fibrillose.

4. 4

   Flesh

   Color, texture, and bruising reaction.

   The flesh is firm and white.

5. 5

   Fruiting body

   Overall growth pattern.

   The fruiting body is large and fleshy, with a substantial stem and cap.

6. 6

   Habitat

   Where it grows and on what substrate.

   It is found in coniferous forests, particularly those with pine trees. It forms mycorrhizal associations with the roots of these trees.

Key Facts

Cap surfaces

Sticky or slimy when moist, often with scales.

Growth Form

Solitary or in small groups.

Spore Print

White.

Body color

Whitish to buff or light brown.

Odor

Spicy and aromatic.

Flesh bruises

Does not typically bruise.

Height

5-20 cm

Cap Diameter

5-20 cm

Fruit body characteristics

• Gill attachment: Adnate to slightly decurrent.
• Stem shape: Cylindrical to slightly club-shaped.
• Stem surface: Smooth to slightly scaly or fibrillose.
• Ring: Present or forming a ring zone.
• Stem cross-section: Solid.

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