Leccinum with blue stem for id

forager2 · #1 (**permalink**) 12-09-2010, 06:45 PM

Found under silver birch.
Cap grey 4-7 cm

The stem was blue but not just on handling. You can just see this on the one which has not been lifted. I only waited a couple of minutes after cutting it before photographing again, but you can just see colour beginning to develop in the stem and cap. Having read up since I got back I realise I should have left it a lot longer for the colour to develop.

I could find no mention of blue stem in my book, but otherwise I might have said it was a brown birch bolete. (Blue not as vivid on reduced quality photo).

Hope you can help.

Thanks,
Jane

flaxton · #2 (**permalink**) 12-09-2010, 08:12 PM

Hi Jane
If only they were all as straightforward as this. With the two tone grey cap and blueing it can only be Leccinum varicolor. There are quite a few about in N Yorks.

Mal