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Butyriboletus frostii, commonly known as Frost's Bolete, is a striking mushroom known for its vibrant red cap and stem, as well as its yellow pores. It is found in association with hardwood trees, particularly oak, in eastern North America. While technically edible, it is not typically recommended for consumption due to its sometimes bitter taste and the potential for confusion with other less palatable or toxic boletes.
How to Identify
- Cap
- The cap is typically bright red, but can sometimes be more orange or yellowish-red. It is convex when young, becoming more flattened with age. The surface is dry and can be slightly sticky when wet.
- Gills
- N/A (pores instead of gills). The pore surface is bright yellow, bruising blue when touched. The pores are small and angular.
- Stem
- The stem is typically red, often with a yellow base. It is solid and can be slightly reticulated (net-like pattern) near the top.
- Flesh
- The flesh is yellow, sometimes staining blue when cut or bruised, especially in the cap. This bluing reaction can vary in intensity.
- Fruiting body
- Medium to large in size, with a striking red cap and stem, and yellow pores.
- Habitat
- Found in hardwood forests, particularly with oak trees, during summer and fall.
Key Facts
- Cap surfaces: dry, slightly sticky when wet
- Growth Form: solitary to scattered
- Spore Print: olive-brown
- Body color: red and yellow
- Odor: not distinct
- Flesh bruises: sometimes blue
- Height: 5-15 cm
- Cap Diameter: 5-15 cm
- Nutrient gathering: mycorrhizal
Safe
Mild ToxicityWhile technically edible, Butyriboletus frostii is not recommended for consumption due to potential gastrointestinal upset in some individuals. It can also be confused with other boletes that are known to cause more severe reactions. Thorough cooking may reduce the risk of adverse effects, but caution is advised.
Quick Check
- Odor: Mild, not distinctive
- Fruiting: Summer to Fall
- Substrate: Hardwood forests, especially oak
Where to Find
Hardwood forests
Prefers growing near oak trees.
Eastern United States and Canada
Common in eastern North America.
Finding Tips
Seasonal Occurrence
Look for it during the summer and fall months.
Habitat Preference
Check areas with well-drained soil and plenty of leaf litter.
Similar Species
Hortiboletus rubellus
bolete mushroom
Also known as: Scarletina Bolete
Scientific Classification
- Phylum
- Basidiomycota
- Class
- Agaricomycetes
- Order
- Boletales
- Family
- Boletaceae
- Genus
- Butyriboletus
Storage Information
- Max Temperature: N/A
- Freezing duration: 3 months
- Min Temperature: 32°F
- Refrigeration: 2-3 days
How to Clean
Gently brush off any dirt or debris from the cap and stem. Avoid soaking in water, as boletes can become waterlogged. A soft brush or a slightly damp cloth can be used to clean the pores if needed.
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