Species details
Blue-staining bolete
Xerocomellus cisalpinus
Traditionally edible
Photo: Lukas from London, England · CC BY-SA 2.0 · Photo source · License
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Description
A brown Xerocomellus with yellow pores and flesh that rapidly stains blue-green when cut or bruised.
Identification features
The cap is 4–10 cm wide, grey-yellow to brown, later sometimes cracking to reveal a reddish layer. Pores are lemon yellow, later greenish, and blue when pressed. The lower stem has reddish fibres.
Identification checklist
Check rapid blue staining of flesh and pores, yellow tube pores, reddish fibres on the lower stem, and any reddish layer in cap cracks.
Detailed features
- Cap
- The cap is 4–10 cm wide, grey-yellow to brown, later sometimes cracking to reveal a reddish layer.
- Hymenophore
- Pores are lemon yellow, later greenish, and blue when pressed.
Size
- Cap diameter
- 4–10 cm
Habitat
Grows in coniferous and mixed woodland, often with spruce, and also in parks, from late summer to late autumn.
Fruiting period
August, September, October, November
Ecology
- Host trees
- Spruce (Picea)
- Notes
- Grows in coniferous and mixed woodland, often with spruce, and also in parks, from late summer to late autumn.
How to separate similar species
Xerocomellus chrysenteron can be very similar; separation requires a combination of cut flesh, cap, stem, and habitat.