Blackening Slime Spike

The cap is initially convex and almost peg-like, reaching 2–15 centimetres (3⁄4–6 in) in width. The surface is smooth and slimy when damp. The color can vary from whitish to a dull pinkish or color of salmon flesh when young. With maturity, the cap flattens, possibly becoming depressed, and turns purplish to reddish-brown. The flesh is soft and white or grayish. The gills are decurrent, fairly even, closely spaced and are somewhat waxy in appearance. They are white to grayish in color, turning black as ripening occurs. The stalk is up to 15 cm long and 1–5 cm thick. The diameter may be equal from top to bottom or either tapered or swollen at the base. The color transitions from a whitish shade in the upper portion above the veil to a bright yellow below. The veil is whitish with a thread-like texture, hidden beneath a layer of slime. The veil seems to disappear as it approaches the stalk, where it forms a slimy, almost hairy ring. This ring often blackens as the mushrooms age and the spores begin to release. The spores are smooth, spindle-shaped and elliptical, with each spore measuring 10–14 μm long, the smallest in the genus Gomphidius. The spore print is dark gray to black.

Gomphidius oregonensis can be found in western North America from October to December, most commonly on the Pacific Coast. It is found on the ground under conifers, particularly Douglas-fir. Mushrooms may be solitary or in clusters and often in colonies with G. glutinosus, and frequently with species from the genus Suillus. It is likely parasitic to Suillus caerulescens and potentially S. ponderosus as well.

Gomphidius oregonensis is edible, with a mild flavor and odor. Without proper preparation (removing the cap cuticle), the mushroom is slimy in texture. This mushroom also accumulates heavy metals.

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