American matsutake
Tricholoma magnivelare
A species of Tricholoma. Also known as Pine mushroom.
American matsutake, a highly regarded mushroom, is more commonly found on the West Coast. It establishes mycorrhizal relationships with trees, especially conifers. This mushroom is prized for its distinct aroma, making it a choice edible. In Japan, it holds significant cultural value, being presented as gifts or used in wedding rituals. Due to the substantial demand, a portion of the American matsutake harvest is exported to Japan to augment their domestic supply.
In This Article
Attributes of American matsutake
Cap Diameter
5 - 20 cm
Height
5 - 12 cm
Cap
Cap 5 - 20 cm across; convex, flat; yellowish to orange-brown
Cap Shape
Convex
Cap Surfaces
Fibrillose-scaly, Slimy or slightly sticky
Gills
Attached; close; white, spotted brown with age
Gill Attachment
Notched
Stem
Stem 4 - 15 cm long, 2 - 6 cm thick; whitish
Stem Shapes
Tapering
Stem Surfaces
Scaly
Flesh
Firm; white
Ring
With Ring
Spore Print Color
White
Odor
Strong, spicy with a hint of cinnamon.
Body Color
BrownYellowRed
Flesh Bruises
The flesh or milk does not discolor when bruised or cut.
Growth Form
Solitary, Scattered
Nutrient Gathering
Mycorrhizal
Substrate
On soil, Leaf or Needle Litter
You can find American matsutake by these plants
Common douglas-fir, Eastern hemlock, Jack pine, Pitch pine, Red pine
Occurence Habitats
Coniferous Woodland
Endangered Species
No
Scientific Classification of American matsutake
Phylum
Club fungi
Class
Mushroom-forming fungi
Order
Gilled fungi
Family
Pale-spore mushrooms
Genus
Tricholoma
Toxicity and Edibility of American matsutake
Is American matsutake Toxic?
Toxicity information is not available for this mushroom. Always consult with an expert before consuming any wild mushrooms.
