Group of Fungi: Boletes

Family: Boletaceae

Latin Name: Tylopilus chromapes (Frost) A.H. Sm. & Thiers

Common Name: Chrome-footed Bolete

Description: Total height 2–5 in (5–12.5 cm); cap 1 5/8–5 in (4–12.5 cm) wide; convex to hemispherical at first but becoming broadly convex to nearly flat with age, pink to rosy-red when young but fading to tan; upper surface dry to slightly viscid when moist; spore-bearing surface white at first and then becoming pale to dingy pink; stalk 1 5/8–4 1/2 in (4–11.5 cm) long, 3/8–1 in (1–2.5 cm) in diameter, often crooked, white to pink except for the base, which is conspicuously yellow, entire stalk becoming covered with pink or red dots (scabers); spores rosy-brown in mass.

Biological Role: Forms mycorrhizal associations with forest trees.

Habitat: On the ground in broadleaf and conifer forests; solitary or occurring in small groups.

Geographical Distribution: Widely distributed throughout eastern North America.

Comments: Tylopilus chromapes is easily recognized by its pink cap to rosy-red cap and white to pink stalk with a yellow base. It is considered to be edible.