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Edibility
Edible
Lookalike Danger
2 / 5
Habitat
🌲 Conifer, spruce
Season
Aug – Oct
"Large brown scaly cap, teeth underneath. Bitter with age; young specimens dried make a decent seasoning."
This species is found with or partners with the following hosts. Ectomycorrhizal hosts (green border) form a root-level partnership; ericoid / arbutoid shrubs (purple border) share the same mycorrhizal networks.

King bolete, spruce tips edible.

Generic conifer habitat — pine, spruce, fir, hemlock, or Douglas-fir. Shown when the species is reported from conifers without a specific tree.
Large brown mushroom with distinctive overlapping scales on the cap that resemble hawk feathers. Toothed underside (not gills or pores). Firm texture, good for cooking.
Spruce-fir forests above 9,500 ft. Mycorrhizal with conifers. Often found along trails and forest edges. Same habitat and timing as king boletes.
Min Soil Temp
50°F
Moisture Need
rain 0.5in 7d
Drought Tolerance
moderate
Elevation Range
0–13,800 ft
Edible but bitter. Very similar appearance — bitter taste test distinguishes them.
Conifer, spruce
Photograph it and log your observation on iNaturalist. The community can help confirm your ID — always get confirmation before eating.