How to identify Brown Birch Bolete

To correctly identify Brown Birch Bolete (Leccinum scabrum), 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 is hemispherical when young, convex to flattened in age, 5-15 cm in diameter. The cap surface is smooth, dry, and varies in color from pale tan to dark brown. The flesh is white, often bruising pinkish or greyish, especially when mature.

2. 2

   Gills

   Attachment to stem, color, and spacing.

   Does not have gills. It has pores

3. 3

   Stem

   Length, shape, surface, and any ring.

   The stem is cylindrical or slightly club-shaped, 8-15 cm long and 1-3 cm thick. The stem is covered in dark, scabrous dots or scales (scabers) which are initially whitish but darken with age, eventually becoming blackish. The stem flesh is whitish, fibrous, and can be tougher than the cap flesh.

4. 4

   Flesh

   Color, texture, and bruising reaction.

   Flesh is white and turns pinkish when cut, after that it turns grey or blackish.

5. 5

   Fruiting body

   Overall growth pattern.

   The fruit body of Leccinum scabrum is a bolete, meaning it has pores instead of gills. It is typically medium to large in size.

6. 6

   Habitat

   Where it grows and on what substrate.

   Exclusively found in mycorrhizal association with birch trees (Betula species) in forests, parks, and disturbed areas. It fruits from summer to autumn.

Key Facts

Cap surfaces

Smooth, dry.

Growth Form

Mycorrhizal.

Spore Print

Brown.

Body color

Tan, brown, grey to blackish scabers on stem; white flesh bruising grayish.

Odor

Mild, mushroomy.

Flesh bruises

Yes, often pinkish or grayish.

Height

8-15 cm

Cap Diameter

5-15 cm

Fruit body characteristics

• Gill attachment: N/A (pores instead of gills)
• Stem shape: Cylindrical, slightly club-shaped
• Stem surface: Covered in dark scabers (scales or dots)
• Ring: Absent
• Stem cross-section: Solid

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