Boletus patrioticus


Boletus patrioticus, also known as the patriotic bolete is a basidiomycete mushroom, of the genus Boletus in the family Boletaceae. Its name comes from its coloration resembling the flag of the United States.
It is edible.

Morphology

;Cap
The cap is 3 to 13 cm in diameter, initially convex in shape, before becoming broadly convex to plane as it ages; The surface is dry with small hair, olive initially and then pinkish to dark red. The thick flesh is pale yellowish to pinkish red and does stain blue when bruised.
;Pores
The pores are pale yellow when young, becoming olive yellow, bluing when bruised.
;Stipe
From 2.5 to 10 cm long; 1-2 cm thick, dry, solid; rosy red on the upper part and olive on the bottom.
;Spore print
The spore print is olive brown.
;Spores
Subfusiform, smooth, deep golden brown, 10-13 x 4-5.5 μm

Habitat and distribution

Forms mycorrhiza with hardwoods, especially oak and hickory; fruits in grassy areas, single, scattered, in summer and fall; ranging from North Carolina to Florida and to Ohio and Texas.