Orange Oak Bolete

Appearance

The cap is orange-red and measures up to 8 in across. Its flesh is white, bruising at first burgundy, then grayish or purple-black.

The underside of the cap has very small, whitish pores that bruise olive-brown. The stem measures 4-7 in tall and to ¾-1¼ in thick and can bruise blue-green. It is whitish, with short, rigid projections or scabers that turn to brown to black with age.

Naming

In Europe, several orange-red capped species exist, which differ mainly in habitat. ''L. albostipitatum'' grows with aspen and has white scales on the stipe. In coniferous forests, ''L. vulpinum'' occurs around pine and spruce trees. Not all authors recognise these as distinct species.

In North America, ''L. insigne'' grows in aspen or birch stands, while ''L. atrostipitatum'' grows in birch stands. Both are edible.

In North America, it is sometimes referred to by the common name red-capped scaber stalk. Some uncertainties exist regarding the taxonomic classification of this species in Europe and North America.

Distribution

''L. aurantiacum'' can be found fruiting during summer and autumn in forests throughout Europe and North America. The association between fungus and host tree is mycorrhizal.

In Europe, it has traditionally been associated with poplar trees. Some debate exists about the classification of ''L. aurantiacum'' and ''L. quercinum'' as separate species. According to authors who do not recognise the distinction, ''L. aurantiacum'' is also found among oak trees. Additionally, ''L. aurantiacum'' has been recorded with various other deciduous trees, including beech, birch, chestnut, willow, and trees of the genus ''Tilia''. ''L. aurantiacum'' is not known to associate with conifers in Europe.

North American populations have been recorded in coniferous and deciduous forests, though whether collections from coniferous forests are not ''L. vulpinum'', instead, remains uncertain. In addition, ''L. aurantiacum'' may be absent altogether from North America, with collections from deciduous forests being attributed to other North American species ''L. insigne'', and ''L. brunneum''.