Mushby LogoMushby
Poplar scaber stalk (Leccinum albostipitatum)

Poplar scaber stalk

Safe

Leccinum albostipitatum

Also known as: Poplar Bolete

Got a photo? Identify mushrooms instantly with the Mushby app

Open the app

Description

Leccinum albostipitatum, commonly known as the poplar scaber stalk, is a species of bolete fungus in the family Boletaceae. It is found in Europe and North America, where it grows in mycorrhizal association with poplar trees. The cap is typically 5–15 cm (2–6 in) in diameter, convex to flattened, and has a smooth to slightly wrinkled surface. The color ranges from pale tan to reddish-brown. The stem is 8–15 cm (3–6 in) long and 1–3 cm (0.4–1.2 in) thick, white to pale gray, and covered with dark brown to black scabers (small, rough scales). The pores are small and round, white to grayish, and stain brownish when bruised. The flesh is white, but turns pinkish-gray when cut or bruised. It is an edible mushroom, but should be cooked before consumption.

How to Identify

Cap
5–15 cm (2–6 in) in diameter, convex to flattened, smooth to slightly wrinkled, pale tan to reddish-brown
Gills
Pores are small and round, white to grayish, stain brownish when bruised
Stem
8–15 cm (3–6 in) long and 1–3 cm (0.4–1.2 in) thick, white to pale gray, covered with dark brown to black scabers
Flesh
White, turns pinkish-gray when cut or bruised
Fruiting body
Bolete
Habitat
Mycorrhizal association with poplar trees

Key Facts

  • Cap surfaces: Smooth to slightly wrinkled
  • Growth Form: Solitary to scattered
  • Spore Print: Brown
  • Body color: White to pale gray
  • Odor: Mild, not distinctive
  • Flesh bruises: Turns pinkish-gray
  • Height: 8–15 cm
  • Cap Diameter: 5–15 cm
  • Nutrient gathering: Mycorrhizal

Safe

Safe

Generally considered edible, but can cause gastrointestinal upset in some individuals if not cooked thoroughly.

Reaction Type: Gastrointestinal upset

Quick Check

  • Odor: Mild
  • Fruiting: Summer to autumn
  • Substrate: Ground, near poplar trees

Where to Find

Europe

Grows in mycorrhizal association with poplar trees.

North America

Grows in mycorrhizal association with poplar trees.

Finding Tips

Habitat

Look for it near poplar trees, especially in moist areas.

Season

The fruiting season is typically from summer to autumn.

Similar Species

Leccinum versipelle

Mushroom

Also known as: Orange Birch Bolete

Leccinum aurantiacum

Mushroom

Also known as: Red-capped scaber stalk

Scientific Classification

Phylum
Basidiomycota
Class
Agaricomycetes
Order
Boletales
Family
Boletaceae
Genus
Leccinum

Storage Information

  • Max Temperature: 4
  • Freezing duration: 3 months
  • Min Temperature: 2
  • Refrigeration: 3-4 days

How to Clean

Brush off any dirt or debris from the cap and stem. If necessary, wipe the cap with a damp cloth. Avoid soaking the mushroom in water, as it can become waterlogged.

Explore Poplar scaber stalk

Identify mushrooms anywhere

Free on iOS, Android, and Web. Photo identification, full database, and your personal collection.

Open in app