Boletus edulis

Boletus edulis, Salt Point, 2015-11-21

Boletus edulis

When it rains it pours. This is about half the haul of King Boletes from the last foray. The largest one is as big as my head. Often they are riddled with maggots, but all of these were exceptionally clean. I dried all the big ones, and made cream of king bolete soup with a small one.

Boletus edulis, 11/15/10

Found hidden in the grass under bishop pine on the Medocino coast.

Boletus legaliae

Another strange find for August! Boletus legaliae. Actually quite beautiful, it is poisonous. It turns blue instantly when cut, and often filled with maggots.

Boletus legaliae, 8/22/10

Boletus legaliae stains blue when cut

Edit: previously I thought this was Boletus satanas, and while B. satanas is closely related, it has a whitish cap.

Edit 2: My classification here is probably wrong, still looking into it.

Edit 3: Boletus haematinus ?

Mushrooms in August?

August is usually not the month you look for mushrooms, but it has been a cool summer in the SF bay area, and there are a few spots that get constant fog. If the conditions are just right, there are some fruitings, and if you are faster than the hungry slugs you might find yourself a meal ( or a stomach ache ).

Amanita muscaria ( Do not eat! ), Sibley, 8/22/10

Boletus edulis, Sibley, 8/22/10

I think we may have another great year for mushrooms!