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!