Suillus clintonianus or Sticky bolete

The cap of Suillus clintonianus reaches 4 to 12 centimeters across. When young it is neatly hemispherical or cushion-shaped, opening out with maturity to convex and almost flat. The cap surface is smooth, noticeably slimy and glossy in wet weather, as if varnished, and turns sticky and shiny in dry weather. The color is rich and warm — from chestnut brown and reddish brown to a dark chocolate brown, often darker in the center. The skin peels easily off the cap, which is typical of all slippery jacks.

The cap of the sticky bolete reaches 4 to 10 centimeters across. When young it is convex and hemispherical, and with age it opens out to cushion-shaped and flat. The cap surface is very slimy and sticky, especially in wet weather, which is how the mushroom got its name. The coloring is subdued and variable, from dirty gray and gray-brown to olive-gray and pale clay, often with darker streaks or spots. The slimy skin peels off easily, revealing a paler surface.

Under the cap lies a tubular hymenophore with small, round pores. In young mushrooms they are pale yellow or golden yellow, turning a deeper yellow and olive-yellow as they mature. The tubes are attached to the stem or run slightly down it. When pressed or damaged, the pores may slowly turn brown, developing rusty brown spots. In young mushrooms the hymenophore is hidden by a whitish veil, whose remnants later form a ring on the stem.

Under the cap is a layer of tubes with relatively large, angular and irregular pores, larger than in other Suillus species. They are dirty gray, grayish white or olive-tinged, which again sets this species apart from its golden-pored relatives. When pressed or damaged, the pores slowly take on a blue-green or brownish tint. In young mushrooms the pore surface is covered by a veil, the remains of which form a ring on the stem.

The stem of Suillus clintonianus is cylindrical, 4 to 10 centimeters tall, fairly dense and springy. Its defining feature is a prominent ring in the upper part, left behind when the veil tears. Above the ring the stem is pale yellow and often finely netted; below it, brown to ochre-brown, with darker fibers. To the touch the stem is dry or slightly sticky. There is no volva. It's the combination of a slimy chestnut cap, a ring and the link to larch that reliably sets this species apart.

The stem of the sticky bolete is cylindrical, 4 to 8 centimeters tall, grayish white or pale gray. Near the top it has a noticeable slimy ring left by the veil; above it the surface is paler, and below it is covered with small grayish glandular dots. When touched, the stem may also slowly take on a bluish-green tint. There is no volva. The combination of gray tones, the ring and the link to larch reliably identifies this species.

The flesh of Suillus clintonianus is tender, firm when young and spongier with age. It is pale yellow or lemon yellow, barely changes on exposure to air or only browns slightly where cut. The flesh tastes pleasant and mild, with no bitterness, and soaks up flavors well during cooking. As with all slippery jacks, the flesh tends to soften quickly, so for the table choose young, firm mushrooms.

The flesh of the sticky bolete is whitish or grayish, fairly soft and watery, especially in mature mushrooms. Its characteristic trait, reflected in its folk name, is a slow color change in the air: when cut, the flesh gradually takes on a blue-green and sometimes pinkish-brown tint. The taste is mild, with no noticeable bitterness, but overall rather bland. Because of the watery texture and mediocre flavor, mostly young, firm specimens are chosen for the table.

The smell of Suillus clintonianus is faint, pleasant and typically mushroomy, with no sharp or sour notes. The aroma is not a defining feature of the species, so when identifying it, rely first and foremost on the slimy chestnut cap, the ring on the stem and its growing next to larch.

The smell of the sticky bolete is weak and nondescript, typically mushroomy, with no sharp or unpleasant notes. Aroma is not a defining feature, so for identification rely on the gray slimy cap, the large grayish pores, the ring on the stem and growth next to larch.