About this fungus
Bluefoot Bolete is a fungus in the Boletaceae family. Its habitat and field characteristics are summarised below.
A small red-brown cracking bolete with yellow pores and conspicuous blue staining low in the stem.
What to check
Cut the whole fruit body lengthways and watch the stem base. Record cap cracks, pore bruising, flesh colours and nearby trees.
Variation
Caps may be smooth when young, then crack to expose a red layer. Blue staining varies in speed and intensity.
Lookalikes
Xerocomellus chrysenteron is similar but usually lacks the strong basal blue reaction. Other members of the complex require spores, including their fine longitudinal striations.
Habitat and range
A European ectomycorrhizal bolete, often with broad-leaved trees in woodland, parks and edges. Similar North American mushrooms use different regional concepts.
Food safety
Edibility is uncertain or disputed.
Photographs
Photo: Ian Dickie · CC BY 4.0Species to compare
Similar mushrooms to compare against: