Chestnut Bolete

Cap

3-8 cm. Pale orange to tawny to darker brown coloured starting convex but soon flattening out. Downy when young becoming smooth. When the mushroom becomes old it usually discolours white from the attack of a mould, the Boletus Eater (Hypomyces chrysospermus).

Pores

White pores that discolour to off-white/pale yellow with age and bruise pale grey.

Stem

3-8 cm long, 1-2.5 cm diameter. Off-white to pale orange to chestnut coloured with white flesh. The stem becomes hollow in most specimens.

Flesh

White and unchanging when exposed to air, very occasionally with a pink flush.

Habitat

Usually with oaks or sweet chestnut but will grow with other hardwoods in woods, gardens, parks and verges.

Possible Confusion

It can be easily distinguished from other boletes by its white pores, brittle flesh and hollow stem, therefore it’s an easy one for British foragers to identify.

Be aware that it must be strictly avoided when in Portugal, Spain and France. The related Gyroporus ammophilus that is found in these countries is almost identical looking and very poisonous.

Also lookout for the rare Cornflower Bolete (Gyroporus cyanescens), a related and similar mushroom that turns vividly blue wherever it is touched. As it’s rare it’s best to avoid picking it.

Spore Print

Pale straw coloured. Ellipsoid.

Taste / Smell

Mushroomy but not strong. Must be cooked before consumption.

Frequency

Uncommon, can be found locally in the South of England.

Other Facts

It has been reported that a small amount of people have experienced gastric upsets after consuming these mushrooms.