Got a photo? Identify mushrooms instantly with the Mushby app
Open the appDescription
Leccinum percandidum, commonly known as the White Birch Bolete or Snow-white Bolete, is a species of bolete mushroom in the family Boletaceae. It is characterized by its strikingly pale, often nearly white cap and stem, and its strong mycorrhizal association with birch trees. This species is generally considered edible, but like all Leccinum species, it requires thorough cooking to avoid gastrointestinal upset.
How to Identify
- Cap
- The cap is typically 5-15 cm (2-6 inches) in diameter, convex to broadly convex, becoming flatter with age. The color is distinctly pale, ranging from off-white to cream, sometimes with very faint yellowish or grayish tints, especially in older specimens. The surface is dry, smooth, and often slightly velvety or finely tomentose when young, becoming glabrous with age. The margin is usually entire and can be slightly incurved when young.
- Gills
- Leccinum percandidum has pores, not gills. The pore surface is initially white to cream, becoming yellowish-brown with age. The pores are small and circular. The tubes are concolorous with the pore surface, 1-2 cm (0.4-0.8 inches) deep, and depressed around the stem.
- Stem
- The stem is 8-20 cm (3-8 inches) long and 1.5-4 cm (0.6-1.6 inches) thick, typically stout and club-shaped or tapering slightly towards the cap, often swollen at the base. It is solid and firm. The color is white to off-white, often concolorous with the cap. It is covered with fine, white to pale grayish-white scabers (small, rough scales or dots) that darken slightly with age, especially towards the base. These scabers are a key identifying feature for Leccinum species.
- Flesh
- The flesh is thick, firm, and white, often remaining white when cut, though it may show a very faint pinkish or grayish tinge in some areas, particularly in the stem base, after exposure to air. It has a mild, pleasant taste and a faint, mushroomy odor.
- Fruiting body
- The fruiting body is a typical bolete shape, consisting of a cap, pores (instead of gills), and a central stem.
- Habitat
- Leccinum percandidum is a mycorrhizal fungus, forming a symbiotic relationship exclusively with birch trees (Betula species). It is typically found growing solitarily or in scattered groups on the ground in deciduous or mixed forests where birch trees are present.
Key Facts
- Cap surfaces: Dry, smooth, finely tomentose to glabrous
- Growth Form: Solitary to scattered
- Spore Print: Olive-brown to yellowish-brown
- Body color: White to cream, pale off-white
- Odor: Mild
- Flesh bruises: Typically remains white, sometimes very faint pinkish or grayish tinge in stem base
- Height: 8-20 cm (3-8 inches)
- Cap Diameter: 5-15 cm (2-6 inches)
- Nutrient gathering: Mycorrhizal
Safe
Mild ToxicityLeccinum percandidum is generally considered edible, but like all Leccinum species, it must be thoroughly cooked. Raw or undercooked Leccinum mushrooms can cause gastrointestinal upset, including nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. Some individuals may also experience allergic reactions or sensitivities to Leccinum species, even when properly cooked. It is crucial to correctly identify the mushroom, as some toxic boletes exist, though none are direct look-alikes for L. percandidum if its key features are noted. Always cook Leccinum species thoroughly (e.g., frying, boiling for at least 15-20 minutes) before consumption.
Quick Check
- Odor: Mild, pleasant, mushroomy
- Fruiting: Late summer to autumn
- Substrate: Terrestrial, mycorrhizal with birch trees
Where to Find
Europe
Widespread across Northern and Central Europe, particularly in areas with abundant birch forests.
North America
Reported in parts of North America, though its distribution may be more localized or less frequently documented than in Europe. Often found in association with various birch species.
Asia
Occurrences have been noted in parts of Asia, particularly in regions with suitable birch habitats.
Finding Tips
Birch Association
Always look for this mushroom growing near birch trees. Its mycorrhizal relationship is obligate.
Seasonality
Typically fruits from late summer through autumn, depending on local climate and rainfall.
Coloration
Its strikingly pale, almost white appearance, especially the cap and stem, is a strong indicator. Look for the characteristic white scabers on the stem.
Similar Species
Orange Birch Bolete
Leccinum
Also known as: Leccinum versipelle
Brown Birch Bolete
Leccinum
Also known as: Leccinum scabrum
Aspen Bolete
Leccinum
Also known as: Leccinum aurantiacum
Scientific Classification
- Phylum
- Basidiomycota
- Class
- Agaricomycetes
- Order
- Boletales
- Family
- Boletaceae
- Genus
- Leccinum
Storage Information
- Max Temperature: 4°C
- Freezing duration: 6 months
- Min Temperature: 1°C
- Refrigeration: 5 days
How to Clean
Clean Leccinum percandidum by gently brushing off any dirt or debris with a soft brush or damp cloth. Avoid washing under running water, as boletes can absorb a lot of moisture and become soggy. Trim off any insect-damaged or soft parts. The stem can be fibrous, especially in older specimens, and may need to be peeled or discarded.
Explore White Birch Bolete
Identify mushrooms anywhere
Free on iOS, Android, and Web. Photo identification, full database, and your personal collection.