Foraging for Rocky Mountain Porcini (Boletus rubriceps) in Colorado

Rocky Mountain Kings! Took my first foray into the summer mushroom season here in Colorado and found a bevy of #RockyMountainReds or #Boletusrubriceps. Very similar to other #KingBolete species, this is a large flesh mycorrhizal mushroom with pores that go from white to yellow to brown as they mature. They have distinctive ruby red caps that fade tawny brown with age. The reticulation on the stipe is particularly pronounced and absolutely gorgeous (check out all the photos). This species grows in the southern Rocky Mountains in association with Englemann Spruce and possibly fir and pine as well. . As with other boletes, they fruit at similar times as Amanita muscaria and the large Hawks Wing Sarcodons (shingled hedgehogs). Boletus rubriceps are large and fleshy, a very tasty mushroom with great flavor fresh or dried. Hoping I get a chance to dry some of these and fly them home with me. . . . . . . . #kingboletes #porcini #boletus #foraging #coloradoforaging #coloradonature #reticulation #mycology #mushroomhunting #coloradonature #mushroomforaging