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The Orange Birch Bolete (Leccinum testaceoscabrum) is a mycorrhizal mushroom that forms symbiotic relationships with birch trees. It is characterized by its orange to reddish-brown cap and its preference for growing in birch forests. While generally considered edible, care should be taken to avoid consuming specimens that show signs of decay or have been misidentified.
How to Identify
- Cap
- The cap is typically orange to reddish-brown, convex when young, and becoming more flattened with age. The surface is dry and may be slightly velvety.
- Gills
- Absent (pores instead of gills). The pores are small and whitish, staining brownish with age or when bruised.
- Stem
- The stem is stout, cylindrical, and covered in small, rough scales (scabers) that are initially whitish but darken with age.
- Flesh
- The flesh is whitish, often staining pinkish or grayish when cut.
- Fruiting body
- The fruiting body is a bolete, meaning it has pores instead of gills. It is medium to large in size.
- Habitat
- Found in deciduous forests, especially under birch trees.
Key Facts
- Cap surfaces: Dry, slightly velvety
- Growth Form: Solitary or scattered
- Spore Print: Brown
- Body color: Orange to reddish-brown
- Odor: Mild, mushroomy
- Flesh bruises: Pinkish or grayish
- Height: 5-15 cm
- Cap Diameter: 5-15 cm
- Nutrient gathering: Mycorrhizal
Safe
SafeGenerally considered edible, but can cause gastrointestinal upset in some individuals. It is important to avoid consuming specimens that show signs of decay or have been misidentified.
Quick Check
- Odor: Mild, mushroomy
- Fruiting: Late summer to fall
- Substrate: Under birch trees
Where to Find
Deciduous Forests
Prefers growing in deciduous forests, particularly those with birch trees.
Moist Areas
Often found in moist areas near birch trees.
Finding Tips
Check Birch Habitats
Look for the mushroom near birch trees, especially in late summer and fall.
Inspect Ground Cover
Examine the ground around birch trees for the distinctive orange cap.
Similar Species
Leccinum aurantiacum
mushroom
Also known as: Orange Bolete
Leccinum scabrum
mushroom
Also known as: Rough-stemmed bolete
Scientific Classification
- Phylum
- Basidiomycota
- Class
- Agaricomycetes
- Order
- Boletales
- Family
- Boletaceae
- Genus
- Leccinum
Storage Information
- Max Temperature: 20
- Freezing duration: 6 months
- Min Temperature: 2
- Refrigeration: 3-5 days
How to Clean
Gently brush off any dirt or debris from the cap and stem. Avoid soaking in water, as boletes tend to absorb moisture. A soft brush or damp cloth can be used to clean the surface. Trim the stem if necessary.
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