EDIBLE: Zeller's Bolete is a good edible with firm texture and mild flavor. The dramatic blue-staining reaction is completely normal and safe. Cook thoroughly before eating. The dark velvety cap, bright yellow pores, and strong bluing distinguish this species. Some people may experience mild digestive upset.
Zeller's Bolete features a distinctive dark brown to blackish cap (4-12 cm) with velvety, dry surface that often cracks with age. Pores are bright yellow when young, bruising blue-green when handled. The yellow stem has no reticulation but may show reddish-brown stains at base. Yellow flesh instantly stains deep blue when cut - a dramatic reaction. Spore print is olive-brown.
| Family | Unknown |
|---|---|
| Genus | Xerocomellus |
| Edibility | Edible* |
| Toxicity | unknown |
| Season | Oct-Feb |
| Habitat | Mycorrhizal with tanoak, madrone, and Douglas fir in Pacific Coast forests. Prefers mixed hardwood-conifer forests with tanoak or madrone. Found in coastal forests and oak woodlands with evergreen hardwoods. |
| Region | Pacific Northwest, Northern California, Oregon Coast Range, California Coast Ranges, Southern Oregon, Tanoak and madrone forests |
Habitat: Mycorrhizal with tanoak, madrone, and Douglas fir in Pacific Coast forests. Prefers mixed hardwood-conifer forests with tanoak or madrone. Found in coastal forests and oak woodlands with evergreen hardwoods.
Region: Pacific Northwest, Northern California, Oregon Coast Range, California Coast Ranges, Southern Oregon, Tanoak and madrone forests
Fall through winter (October-February) with peak fruiting in November-December. Late-season fruiting after autumn and winter rains along the coast.
Typical months: Oct-Feb
Always verify identification to avoid these similar species. The differentiator is the point — learn the one or two tells that separate them:
most lack the dramatic bluing reaction
different colors or distributions
viscid caps, different habitat
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.