BASIDIOMYCETES: Agaricales, Boletaceae

King Bolete, Boletus edulis

Basidiomycetes, order: Agaricales, family: Boletaceae

Height to 10"

This large bolete has a cap of up to 10" across that is convex to flattened, smooth, and some shade of reddish-brown. The stalk is thick and stout, becoming thicker and bulbous at the base, and colored pale brown with cottony striations on the upper portion. The spongy fertile surface of pores and tubes is white, becoming greenish-yellow or brown. Spore print is greenish-brown. King Boletes grow on the ground in coniferous and deciduous woodlands throughout North America during the summer and fall. They are edible and highly prized but best if cooked.