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Leccinum aurantiacum, commonly known as the orange birch bolete, is a species of fungus in the genus Leccinum in the family Boletaceae. It is easily identified by its orange to reddish-brown cap and its association with birch trees. The stem is typically white with dark scabers (small, rough scales) that darken with age. The flesh does not usually change color when cut, but in some instances, it may turn slightly pinkish or grayish. It is an edible mushroom, but it is important to cook it thoroughly.
How to Identify
- Cap
- The cap is hemispherical when young, becoming convex to flattened with age. It is typically dry and has a slightly rough texture. The color ranges from orange to reddish-brown.
- Gills
- Instead of gills, Leccinum aurantiacum has pores on the underside of the cap. These pores are small and whitish when young, becoming yellowish to brownish with age. They are easily separable from the cap.
- Stem
- The stem is stout and cylindrical, often tapering slightly towards the base. It is typically white with dark scabers (small, rough scales) that darken with age. The stem is solid.
- Flesh
- The flesh is firm and white, and it usually does not change color when cut, although it may turn slightly pinkish or grayish in some instances.
- Fruiting body
- The fruiting body of Leccinum aurantiacum is a bolete, characterized by a cap and a stem. The cap is typically orange to reddish-brown, and the stem is stout with dark scabers.
- Habitat
- Leccinum aurantiacum is mycorrhizal with birch trees and is commonly found in deciduous and mixed forests. It fruits from summer to autumn.
Key Facts
- Cap surfaces: Dry, slightly rough
- Growth Form: Bolete
- Spore Print: Brown
- Body color: Orange to reddish-brown cap, white stem with dark scabers
- Odor: Mild
- Flesh bruises: May turn slightly pinkish or grayish
- Height: 5-20 cm
- Cap Diameter: 5-20 cm
- Nutrient gathering: Mycorrhizal
Safe
SafeLeccinum aurantiacum is generally considered edible, but it is important to cook it thoroughly. Some individuals may experience gastrointestinal upset if it is not cooked properly. It is also important to avoid consuming mushrooms that are old or have started to decay.
Quick Check
- Odor: Mild and mushroomy
- Fruiting: Summer to Autumn
- Substrate: Mycorrhizal with birch trees
Where to Find
Deciduous Forests
Found in deciduous forests, particularly those with birch trees.
Mixed Forests
Also found in mixed forests where birch trees are present.
Finding Tips
Look Near Birch Trees
Search for this mushroom near birch trees, as it forms a mycorrhizal relationship with them.
Check in Summer and Autumn
This mushroom typically fruits from summer to autumn, so these are the best times to look for it.
Similar Species
Birch bolete
mushroom
Also known as: Leccinum scabrum
Aspen bolete
mushroom
Also known as: Leccinum versipelle
Scientific Classification
- Phylum
- Basidiomycota
- Class
- Agaricomycetes
- Order
- Boletales
- Family
- Boletaceae
- Genus
- Leccinum
Storage Information
- Max Temperature: 20
- Freezing duration: 3 months
- Min Temperature: 2
- Refrigeration: 3 days
How to Clean
To clean Leccinum aurantiacum, gently brush off any dirt or debris from the cap and stem. Avoid soaking the mushroom in water, as it can become waterlogged. Trim the base of the stem if it is dirty or damaged.
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