Home > Manzanita bolete

Photo By damontighe

Manzanita bolete

Leccinum manzanitae

A species of Leccinum, Also known as Manzanita mushroom

The manzanita bolete (Leccinum manzanitae) is known only from the Pacific Northwest of North America. It got its name from the mycorrhizal (symbiotic) association it makes with manzanita trees (Arctostaphylos spp.), although it occasionally appears near madrone (small trees and shrubs of the Arbutus genus).

Cap Diameter:

4 - 19 cm

Odor:

Flavor bland

General Info About Manzanita bolete

Instantly identify mushrooms with a snap

Snap a photo for instant mushroom ID and risk assessment, gaining quick insights on edible guidelines, toxicity, medical value, habitat, culture, and foraging techniques, etc.

Download the App for Free

Attributes of Manzanita bolete

Cap Diameter

4 - 19 cm

Height

10 - 20 cm

Cap

Cap 7 - 20 cm in diameter; convex to cushion-shaped; reddish to brown; sticky, and covered with pressed-down hairs that are more conspicuous toward the edge

Cap Shape

Convex, Flat

Cap Surfaces

Fibrillose-scaly, Slimy or slightly sticky

Stem

8 - 18 cm long, 1.5 - 4 cm thick at the apex; club-shaped or swollen in the middle, solid; whitish to dark brownish-grey; dry; stipe flesh stains a bluish color when bruised

Stem Shapes

Club Shaped

Stem Surfaces

Scaly

Flesh

2 - 4 cm thick; white to dark brownish-gray

Ring

Ringless

Spore Print Color

Brown

Odor

Flavor bland

Body Color

Brown

Black

Red

White

Flesh Bruises

Discolor to blue

Growth Form

Solitary, Scattered, Gregarious

Nutrient Gathering

Mycorrhizal

Substrate

On soil

You can find Manzanita bolete by these plants:

Pacific madrone, Big manzanita

Occurence Habitats

Scrublands

Species Status

Most common Leccinum species in California

Endangered Species

AI mushroom expert in your pocket

Habitat of Manzanita bolete

The manzanita bolete grows in mixed woods, but it's primarily associated with madrone (Arbutus menziesii) and manzanita (Arctostaphylos species) trees, with which it forms a symbiotic relationship. It helps the tree absorb water and nutrients while the tree feeds it with sugars and amino acids, and its fruitbodies will be found coming up from the ground above the roots.

Hunting Values of Manzanita bolete

The edibility is controversial. While it's listed as edible, there have been sporadic cases of discomfort following consumption.

Uses of Manzanita bolete

Manzanita bolete is a mushroom with questionable edibility, indicating that while it may be consumed by some, its safety is not well-established. Its practical applications are limited due to potential health risks. Collectors should exercise caution and be aware of the possible dangers before considering consumption. The popularity and seasonal availability of manzanita bolete do not outweigh the importance of prioritizing consumer safety.

Scientific Classification of Manzanita bolete

Phylum

Club fungi

Class

Mushroom-forming fungi

Order

Boletes and allies

Family

Boletes

Genus

Leccinum

Toxicity and Edibility of Manzanita bolete

Mastering Mushroom Toxicity and Edibility

Unlock the Secrets of Mushroom Varieties, Edibility, Toxicity, and Safety Tips!

Download the App for Free

Edibility of Manzanita bolete

Manzanita bolete is reported to be edible but has a fairly bland taste. It also tends to have a grainy texture. Some people have reported getting sick from eating this mushroom.

Similar Species to Manzanita bolete

Unlocking the Secrets of Identifying Many Types of Mushroom

Master the Art of Distinguishing Mushroom Varieties with Expert Tips.

Download the App for Free

Tips for Finding Manzanita bolete

Your Ultimate Guide to Understanding Mushrooms

Explore the Ins and Outs of Mushroom Hunting: Timing, Optimal Soil Conditions, and More Tips!

Download the App for Free

When is the Best Time to Find Manzanita bolete

Search for manzanita bolete in late summer to early fall when daytime temperatures are mild and not overly hot. Post-rain conditions can be particularly fruitful for these mushrooms.

What are the Ideal Soil Conditions for Manzanita bolete

Prefers well-drained, sandy or loamy soils.

What are Some Tips for Finding Manzanita bolete

Seek out areas with mature madrone and manzanita trees, which are manzanita bolete's known symbiotic partners.
Inspect the ground for well-drained soils such as sandy or loamy substrates, as manzanita bolete tends to favor these conditions.
Scan for manzanita bolete in a scattered to gregarious pattern within the leaf litter beneath the canopies of associated trees.
Gently clear away surface debris to reveal potential specimens, taking care not to disturb the mycelium or root systems.

How to Clean and Preserve Manzanita bolete

Your Comprehensive Mushroom Preservation Guide

Explore efficient methods for cleaning and preserving mushrooms to ensure their freshness and quality.

Download the App for Free

How to Clean Manzanita bolete

To clean manzanita bolete, brush off any dirt on the cap, and for larger dirty patches use a cloth or knife.

Tips on Dry Preservation of Manzanita bolete

Drying Methods

Dehydrator Drying, Oven Drying, Air Drying

Drying Duration

12 - 18 months

Store in a cool, dry, dark place with low humidity and airtight container.

Dehydrator drying: Preserves by removing moisture quickly and evenly, suitable for high water content.

Oven drying: Moderate temperature and open door ensure steady airflow and drying without burning.

Air drying: Natural method, best in dry, warm environments with good airflow, takes longer.

Tips on Freezing Preservation of Manzanita bolete

Freezing Methods

Blanching Before Freezing

Freezing Duration

10 - 12 months

Blanching before freezing: Inactivates enzymes, preserves texture and color.

Tips on Refrigeration Preservation of Manzanita bolete

Refrigerating Methods

Paper Bag Storage, Perforated Plastic Bag Storage, Container with Absorbent Lining, Spread-Out Storage

Temperature

2 - 4 ℃

Refrigerating Humidity

90 - 95 %

Refrigerating Duration

5 - 7 days

Paper Bag Storage: Store in paper bags to absorb excess moisture and allow air circulation.

Perforated Plastic Bag Storage: Use perforated bags that prevent condensation buildup yet maintain humidity.

Container with Absorbent Lining: Line containers with paper towels to soak up moisture and change the towels regularly.

Spread-Out Storage: Place specimens in a single layer on a tray for even cold air exposure without moisture accumulation.

Common Questions People Also Ask

Get Quick Mushroom Answers with a Snap

Snap a photo for instant mushroom ID and answers on edible guidelines, toxicity, medical value, habitat, culture, and foraging techniques!

Download the App for Free