Description:
– Cap of L. scabrum is 5–15cm wide, initially hemispherical and later flattens, tan or brownish with a lighter edge, smooth, bald, and dry to viscid.
– Pores start whitish and turn gray with age. In older specimens, pores on the pileus can bulge out and dent in around the stipe.
– Stipe is 5–15cm long, 1–3.5cm wide, slim, with white and dark to black flakes, and tapers upward.
– Flesh is whitish, darkens with exposure, firm in young specimens but becomes spongy and holds water.
– Leccinum scabrum found in association with ornamental birch trees planted outside its native range.
Habitat and distribution:
– L. scabrum is a European species introduced to various world areas, often in urban settings.
– In New Zealand, it associates solely with Betula pendula.
Uses:
– Birch bolete is edible but not highly regarded by some guides.
– It can be pickled, used in mixed mushroom dishes, fried, or steamed, commonly harvested in Finland and Russia.
– Caution advised in North America post-2009 regarding consumption of Leccinums.
– In Nordic countries, all Leccinum species are considered likely poisonous unless cooked for 15-20 minutes.
Similar species:
– Several Leccinum species found in mycorrhiza with birches, causing confusion.
– L.variicolor has a bluish stipe.
– L.oxydabile has firmer, pinkish flesh and different pileus skin structure.
– L.melaneum is darker with yellowish hues.
– L.holopus is paler and whitish.
See also:
– List of Leccinum species.
– List of North American boletes.