How to identify Bay Bolete

To correctly identify Bay Bolete (Imleria badia), check each of these features in order. Misidentification is the most common cause of mushroom poisoning, so cross-reference multiple sources.

Step-by-step identification

1. 1

   Cap

   Shape, color, surface texture, and diameter.

   The cap of Imleria badia is typically chestnut-brown, smooth, and dry. It is convex when young, flattening out with age. The cap diameter ranges from 5 to 15 cm.

2. 2

   Gills

   Attachment to stem, color, and spacing.

   Imleria badia does not have gills. Instead, it has pores on the underside of the cap. These pores are small and angular, and they are yellowish when young, turning greenish-yellow with age. When bruised, the pores may turn blue.

3. 3

   Stem

   Length, shape, surface, and any ring.

   The stem of Imleria badia is yellowish-brown, 5–12 cm (2–5 in) long, and 1–2 cm (0.4–0.8 in) thick. It is cylindrical or slightly club-shaped, and it may be smooth or slightly ridged. The stem may have a brownish ring near the top.

4. 4

   Flesh

   Color, texture, and bruising reaction.

   The flesh of Imleria badia is whitish or yellowish. When bruised, it may turn slightly blue.

5. 5

   Fruiting body

   Overall growth pattern.

   The fruit body has a chestnut-brown cap that is 5–15 cm (2–6 in) in diameter, convex at first, then flattening out. The cap surface is smooth and dry, and the flesh is whitish or yellowish. When bruised, the flesh may turn slightly blue.

6. 6

   Habitat

   Where it grows and on what substrate.

   Imleria badia is found in coniferous or mixed woods in Europe and North America. It typically grows under pine or spruce trees.

Key Facts

Cap surfaces

Smooth, dry

Growth Form

Solitary or scattered

Spore Print

Olive-brown

Body color

Chestnut-brown

Odor

Fruity

Flesh bruises

Slightly blue

Height

5-12 cm

Cap Diameter

5-15 cm

Fruit body characteristics

• Gill attachment: Pores, not gills
• Stem shape: Cylindrical or club-shaped
• Stem surface: Smooth or slightly ridged
• Ring: May have a brownish ring near the top
• Stem cross-section: Solid

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