Community find

Brown Birch Bolete

Leccinum scabrum

Group

Boletes (boletus)

Season

Summer to early autumn, especially after periods of rain.

Habitat

Typically found on the ground in woodlands, often in association with birch, aspen, or oak trees.

Key characteristics

Cap: Brownish, convex to broadly convex, dry to slightly tacky surface. Pores: Whitish to grayish, bruising brownish or yellowish. Stem: Pale to brownish, tall and slender, tapers upwards, covered with small, dark scabers (dots or scales) which may be darker brown or black.

Look-alikes

There are several other Leccinum species, many of which are very similar and difficult to distinguish without microscopic examination or specific host tree identification. For example, Leccinum holopus (White Birch Bolete) is paler, and Leccinum versipelle (Orange Birch Bolete) has an orange cap and usually darkens when cut.

Ecological role

Mycorrhizal, forming a symbiotic relationship with trees such as birch, aspen, and oak, exchanging nutrients.