✅ Edibility Note
EDIBLE: Red-capped Scaber Stalk is a good edible with firm texture, though not as highly prized as King Bolete. Must be cooked thoroughly - can cause digestive upset if undercooked or eaten raw. Flesh darkening is normal. The orange cap and rough-scaled stem are diagnostic features.
Description
The Red-capped Scaber Stalk features a distinctive orange to reddish-orange cap (5-20 cm) with dry to slightly tacky surface. Pores are white when young, aging to grayish, bruising brownish. The tall, white stem is covered with dark brown to blackish scabers (rough scales) - a diagnostic feature. White flesh stains pink to reddish when cut, aging to gray or black. Spore print is olive-brown.
Habitat & Distribution
Habitat: Mycorrhizal exclusively with aspen and poplar trees in mixed forests. Forms obligate associations with Populus species. Found in aspen groves, riparian areas with cottonwood, and mixed aspen-conifer forests.
Region: Rocky Mountains, Great Lakes region, Northeastern forests with aspen, Pacific Northwest aspen stands, Northern California, Alaska, Canada
Seasonality
Summer through fall (June-October) with peak fruiting in July-August. Often appears soon after summer rains in aspen habitats.
Common Lookalikes
Always verify identification to avoid these similar species:
- Leccinum insigne - orange-red cap, similar habitat with aspen
- Other Leccinum species - stem scabers distinguish from Boletus
- Boletus species - lack the distinctive scabrous stem
- Lactarius species - have gills not pores, produce latex
Track Your Red-capped Scaber Stalk Finds
Save location, photos, and notes securely on your device. Works offline in the deep woods.
Download Mushroom TrackerDisclaimer: This guide is for educational purposes only. Never consume a wild mushroom unless you are 100% certain of its identification.