Tricholoma equestre
Führ. Pilzk.: 130 1871.
Common Name: man on horseback
Synonym: Tricholoma flavovirens (Pers.) Lundell
Cap 5-13 cm broad, convex, becoming nearly plane in age with upturned margin; yellow, often shading to a slightly scaly brownish disc; surface smooth, viscid in moist weather; flesh white, thick; odor, farinaceous.
Gills yellow, notched, close, and broad.
Stipe 4-8 cm tall, 1.5-3 cm thick, pale yellow, equal to enlarged at the base; veil absent.
Spores 6-7.5 x 3.5-5 µm, elliptical, smooth. Spore print white.
Scattered to gregarious in sandy soils under coastal pines and occasionally under manzanita; from late fall through mid-winter.
Edible and choice. One of our most underrated esculent mushrooms.
Tricholoma equestre is recognized by its yellow to yellowish-brown, viscid cap, robust stature, yellow notched gills, and pale yellow stipe. Tricholoma sulphureum, rare in our area, is similar in color but has the odor of sewer gas and lacks a viscid cap. Tricholoma sejunctum also has a yellowish cap but is streaked with dark fibrils, is less viscid, and has white gills.
Current data show there are multiple species hiding under this name in Western North America. More research/data is needed to clarify the situation. The very similar species under oak is Tricholoma yatesii.
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