About Cortinarius mucosus (Bull.) J.Kickx f.
Cortinarius mucosus (Bull.) J.Kickx f. has a sticky brown to orange cap, 4 to 10 centimetres (1+1⁄2 to 4 inches) in diameter. The cap is darker toward its center and has an inrolled margin. Like most species in the genus Cortinarius, young specimens have a cortina — a cobweb-like annulus that protects developing gills. The gills are closely spaced and attach adnexed to the stipe; they are pale yellowish when young, turning rusty brown as spores mature. The stipe is slimy, measuring 5 to 15 cm (2 to 6 in) long and 1.5 to 2.5 cm (1⁄2 to 1 in) thick. It stays whitish until spores mature and are released. The spore print is rust-colored to ochre. Both the odor and taste of this mushroom are not distinctive. Spores are elliptical with a rough surface, measuring 12–14 by 5.5–6.5 μm. Basidia are 4-spored, and cystidia are absent from the gill edge. This species is commonly found growing under birch and coniferous trees, especially pine. It prefers acidic, sandy soils, and occurs in North America.
