Not to be confused with other violet-capped mushrooms, the violet-grey bolete (Tylopilus plumbeoviolaceus) is distinguished by lilac colored cap and stem, which fades to dark grey in maturity. It also has pores instead of the gills that are common with other mushrooms. Although non-toxic, this mushroom has an incredibly bitter, off-putting flavor that makes it inedible.
Cap Diameter:
4 - 10 cm
Odor:
Mildly mushroomy but not distinctive.
In This Article
Attributes
Similar Species
Tips for Finding
Clean and Preserve
Common Questions
General Info About Violet-grey bolete
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Attributes of Violet-grey bolete
Cap Diameter
4 - 10 cm
Height
5 - 9 cm
Cap
Cap 4 - 10 cm across; convex, nearly flat; purple, brown; bald, finely suede-like
Cap Shape
Convex, Flat
Cap Surfaces
Smooth, Velvety
Stem
Stem4 - 7 cm long, 1.5 - 2.5 cm thick; enlarging towards base; purple
Stem Shapes
Cylindrical
Stem Surfaces
Smooth
Flesh
White; unchanging when sliced
Ring
Ringless
Spore Print Color
Pinkish brown
Odor
Mildly mushroomy but not distinctive.
Body Color
Brown
Red
Gray
White
Purple
Flesh Bruises
The flesh or milk does not discolor when bruised or cut.
The violet-grey bolete grows in open mixed or deciduous woods, forming a symbiotic relationship with oak, hickory, aspen, or hemlock. It helps the tree absorb water and nutrients while the tree feeds it with sugars and amino acids. Mushrooms grow on the ground beneath the host tree, above its roots. It prefers sandy soil.
