Penny Bun or Cep
Boletus edulis
Robust Bolete Identification - High Lookalike Risk
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Key Features
- Large
- convex
- dark brown cap
- Pore surface pale yellow/cream
- fine pores
- Thick
- bulbous
- pale stem
- Stem shows fine white reticulation near apex
- Robust
- heavy structure
Color:
Dark brown cap, pale yellow pores, white/cream stem
Smell:
Unknown
Growth Pattern:
Single
Environment:
Soil
Habitat & Distribution
Habitat:
Likely mycorrhizal with trees (deciduous or coniferous forest)
Distribution:
Widespread across Europe and North America
Seasonality:
Summer to Autumn
Critical Features for Confirmation
- Context (flesh) color and staining reaction not visible
Economic Value
Market Demand:
High - widely cultivated and consumed globally
Price Range:
$15-40/lb fresh, significantly higher dried
Commercial Use:
Culinary delicacy, dried for flavoring
Similar Species
Bitter Bolete
Tylopilus felleus
Key Differences:
- Pores turn pinkish/buff with maturity
- Stem reticulation is dark brown and coarse
Bitter Beech Bolete
Caloboletus calopus
Key Differences:
- Stem often features red coloration
- Flesh stains blue rapidly when cut
Recommended Action
Do not consume. Confirmation requires context examination (staining) and spore print analysis.