About this fungus
Bitter Bolete is a fungus in the Boletaceae family. Its habitat and field characteristics are summarised below.
A stout brown bolete that can resemble a Penny Bun from above. Its pale pores develop a pink or salmon cast, and the pale stem carries a coarse dark-brown raised network.
What to check
Confirm pores rather than gills. Look for pores that change from white to pinkish with maturity, a coarse dark network standing out on the upper stem, and whitish flesh that does not turn blue. Use these visible features together and check the woodland setting.
Lookalikes
Penny Bun has pores that age from white through yellow to olive and usually a finer pale network on the upper stem. Young specimens can still be difficult to separate, and other Tylopilus species occur in North America.
Habitat and range
Ectomycorrhizal in both broadleaved and coniferous woodland, often with beech, oak, pine or spruce. It favours well-drained acidic soil and occurs across Europe, Asia and North America.
Food safety
Inedible.