Species details

Slate bolete

Leccinum duriusculum

Traditionally edible

Description

A large firm Leccinum with a grey-brown cap, whitish pores and a stem covered in brown to black scabers, characteristically with aspen or white poplar.

Identification features

The cap is 6–18 cm wide, grey to umber-brown, firm and sometimes slimy when wet. Pores are initially whitish, later cream. The stout stem is covered with brown to blackish scabers.

Identification checklist

Check the tree partner, firm grey-brown cap, whitish pores and stout scabered stem. Cut flesh reddens slightly and may later become grey-black.

How to separate similar species

Leccinum scabrum grows mainly with birch and has softer flesh. Tree association is very important in Leccinum.

Habitat

Grows in deciduous and mixed woodland, always associated with aspen or white poplar, in summer and early autumn.