EDIBLE: Manzanita Bolete is a good edible with firm texture. Must be cooked thoroughly for at least 15-20 minutes. The unique manzanita association and winter fruiting period distinguish it from other boletes. Flesh darkening is normal and safe.
The Manzanita Bolete features a reddish-brown to dark brown cap (5-15 cm) with dry, velvety to smooth surface. Pores are white when young, aging to olive-gray, bruising brownish. The whitish to pale brown stem is covered with brown to dark brown scabers (rough scales). White flesh stains pinkish-brown when cut, eventually darkening to gray. Spore print is olive-brown.
| Family | Unknown |
|---|---|
| Genus | Leccinum |
| Edibility | Edible* |
| Toxicity | unknown |
| Season | Dec-Apr |
| Habitat | Mycorrhizal exclusively with manzanita (Arctostaphylos species) in chaparral and mixed oak-madrone forests. Forms obligate associations with manzanita shrubs. Found in coastal forests and foothill woodlands with manzanita understory. |
| Region | California Coast Ranges, Northern California, Central California, San Francisco Bay Area, Sierra Nevada foothills, Southern Oregon |
Habitat: Mycorrhizal exclusively with manzanita (Arctostaphylos species) in chaparral and mixed oak-madrone forests. Forms obligate associations with manzanita shrubs. Found in coastal forests and foothill woodlands with manzanita understory.
Region: California Coast Ranges, Northern California, Central California, San Francisco Bay Area, Sierra Nevada foothills, Southern Oregon
Winter through spring (December-April) with peak fruiting in January-March. Unusual winter fruiting period associated with California rainy season.
Typical months: Dec-Apr
Always verify identification to avoid these similar species. The differentiator is the point — learn the one or two tells that separate them:
but different tree associations
lack the scabrous stem
more orange cap, different habitat
viscid cap, conifer association
Pin the patch before you leave it. Coordinates, photos, and field notes stay on your device — and the offline lookalike guide travels with you into 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.