# Matsutake (*Tricholoma*)

Matsutake mushrooms are prized for their delicious taste! They grow under trees and are often found in forests.

- **Category:** [Fungi](https://www.snappit.app/explore/categories/fungi)
- **Rarity:** Rare
- **Danger:** 1/5 · Very low
- **Habitat:** Forests
- **Also known as:** Matsutake Mushroom

![Matsutake](https://res.cloudinary.com/drieglelr/image/upload/v1771425924/objects/5100.jpg)

## Appearance

The Matsutake has a sturdy, white to brownish cap that can be partly hidden under soil. Its thick white stem is covered by a veil, leaving a distinctive ring as it matures. The cap often has a unique, slightly fibrous surface.

## Taxonomy

- **Kingdom:** Fungi
- **Phylum:** Basidiomycota
- **Class:** Agaricomycetes
- **Order:** Agaricales
- **Family:** Tricholomataceae
- **Genus:** Tricholoma

## Interesting facts

- Finding Matsutake often requires a special nose and secret forest spots!
- Its name means 'pine mushroom' because it loves growing near pine trees.
- Matsutake mushrooms can be worth hundreds of dollars each!
- Some people describe its unique smell as a mix of cinnamon and dirty socks!

## Special abilities

- **Aromatic Beacon:** Matsutake can release a powerful, unique spicy-cinnamon aroma that helps others find it and signals its presence underground.
- **Root Whisperer:** Matsutake has a special connection with tree roots, sharing nutrients that helps both the fungus and the tree grow strong.
- **Subterranean Guardian:** Matsutake often grows partially buried in the soil, protecting its delicate parts from harsh weather and hungry creatures.

## Measurements & details

- **Height:** 10-25 cm
- **Edible:** edible
- **Size:** 6-20 cm
- **Growth Substrate:** soil
- **Season:** Fall
- **Spore Color:** White

## Ecological connections

- **Symbiotic with:** Japanese Red Pine (*Pinus densiflora*) — Forms mycorrhizal association for nutrient exchange.
- **Symbiotic with:** [Western Hemlock](https://www.snappit.app/explore/western-hemlock) (*Tsuga heterophylla*) — Often found growing in symbiosis with its roots.
- **Symbiotic with:** Konara Oak (*Quercus serrata*) — Establishes a beneficial root connection in forests.

## Traits

- [Fragrant Flower](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/fragrant-flower): Fragrant flowers emit a pleasant aroma, often to attract pollinators or for defense.
- [Spore Producing](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/spore-producing): Spore-producing organisms reproduce by releasing small, often single-celled, reproductive units called spores.
- [Edible](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/edible): Edible plants are those parts of a plant that are considered safe for human consumption.
- [Spice](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/spice): This human use trait indicates species from which spices are derived, used for flavoring, preserving food, or as aromatic agents.
- [Forest](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/forest): Forest habitats are terrestrial environments dominated by dense tree cover, supporting a high diversity of plant and animal life.

## Collections

- [Fungi](https://www.snappit.app/explore/collections/fungi)

## Safety

**Danger:** 1/5 · Very low

Do not pick or eat anything you find. Some plants and mushrooms can be harmful.

## Frequently Asked Questions

### How to identify Matsutake?

Compare the cap shape, the underside, the stem and base, and whether the fungus grows on wood or soil. Some fungi have gills, others pores or teeth. A cap seen only from above often hides the most useful features. Mushroom Identifier: upload a photo and compare the visible details.

### How tall is Matsutake?

10-25 cm

### Is Matsutake edible?

edible

### How big is Matsutake?

6-20 cm

### Where is Matsutake usually found?

Forests

### What does Matsutake grow on?

soil

### When is Matsutake in season?

Fall

### What color are Matsutake spores?

White

## More Fungi

- [Field Mushroom](https://www.snappit.app/explore/field-mushroom) (*Agaricus*)
- [Button Mushroom](https://www.snappit.app/explore/button-mushroom) (*Agaricus*)
- [Portobello Mushroom](https://www.snappit.app/explore/portobello-mushroom) (*Agaricus*)
- [Shiitake](https://www.snappit.app/explore/shiitake) (*Lentinula*)

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Source: [Matsutake: Characteristics, Facts & Places to See — Snappit](https://www.snappit.app/explore/matsutake)