Boletus aureissimus is a species of bolete fungus characterized by its golden to yellowish-brown cap, typically 3-8 cm in diameter, and white to pale yellow pores. The stipe is usually the same color as the cap and has a reticulate pattern. In East and Central Texas, Boletus aureissimus is often found growing in association with oak trees, particularly live oak and post oak, from late summer to early fall. It tends to favor well-drained soils and can be abundant in areas with rich soil and adequate moisture. The fungus is considered edible and prized for its sweet, nutty flavor and firm texture.
Mature bolete mushroom Boletus aureissimus in Lick Creek Park. College Station, Texas, May 17, 2018 Iron Bridge Trail, College Station, TX 77845, USA
Large golden yellow bolete mushroom (Boletus aureissimus) under snout bean in prairie near small winged elms and oaks in Lick Creek Park. College Station, Texas, May 27, 2020 Iron Bridge Trail, College Station, TX 77845, USA
Underside of a large golden yellow bolete mushroom (Boletus aureissimus) in Lick Creek Park. College Station, Texas, May 27, 2020 Iron Bridge Trail, College Station, TX 77845, USA
Dissected golden yellow bolete mushroom (Boletus aureissimus) in Lick Creek Park. College Station, Texas, May 27, 2020 Iron Bridge Trail, College Station, TX 77845, USA
Large golden bolete mushrooms Boletus aureissimus in prairie near snout bean, winged elm and oaks in Lick Creek Park. College Station, Texas, June 5, 2020 Iron Bridge Trail, College Station, TX 77845, USA
Underside of bolete mushrooms Boletus aureissimus in Lick Creek Park. College Station, Texas, June 5, 2020 Iron Bridge Trail, College Station, TX 77845, USA
Yellow cap of a golden bolete mushroom Boletus aureissimus under bluestem in prairie in Lick Creek Park. College Station, Texas, June 9, 2020 Iron Bridge Trail, College Station, TX 77845, USA
Underside of a golden bolete mushroom Boletus aureissimus under bluestem in prairie in Lick Creek Park. College Station, Texas, June 9, 2020 Iron Bridge Trail, College Station, TX 77845, USA
Yellow bolete mushroom Boletus aureissimus in Lick Creek Park. College Station, Texas, July 5, 2020 Iron Bridge Trail, College Station, TX 77845, USA
Mature bolete mushroom Boletus aureissimus in Lick Creek Park. College Station, Texas, August 14, 2020 Iron Bridge Trail, College Station, TX 77845, USA
Underside of a mature bolete mushroom Boletus aureissimus in Lick Creek Park. College Station, Texas, August 14, 2020 Iron Bridge Trail, College Station, TX 77845, USA
Cap of a mushroom Boletus aureissimus in grass in Lick Creek Park. College Station, Texas, July 5, 2021
Underside a mushroom of Boletus aureissimus in Lick Creek Park. College Station, Texas, July 5, 2021
Yellow pore surface of a mushroom Boletus aureissimus in Lick Creek Park. College Station, Texas, July 5, 2021
Cross section of a mushroom Boletus aureissimus in Lick Creek Park. College Station, Texas, July 5, 2021
Mushrooms Boletus aureissimus in half-prairie area in Lick Creek Park. College Station, Texas, April 24, 2024 Iron Bridge Trail, College Station, Brazos County, Texas, United States
Side view of mushrooms Boletus aureissimus under small oaks in Lick Creek Park. College Station, Texas, April 24, 2024 Iron Bridge Trail, College Station, Brazos County, Texas, United States
Cross section of mushrooms Boletus aureissimus in Lick Creek Park. College Station, Texas, April 24, 2024 Iron Bridge Trail, College Station, Brazos County, Texas, United States
Spores (in KOH) of yellow bolete mushrooms Boletus aureissimus from half-open area, collected in Lick Creek Park. College Station, Texas, April 24, 2024
AI-generated summary of observations
Observations of Boletus aureissimus in East and Central Texas reveal a consistent presence of the fungus in Lick Creek Park, College Station. The golden yellow bolete mushrooms were found under various tree species, including snout bean, winged elms, and oaks, as well as in prairie areas with bluestem grass. The mushrooms typically appeared between May and August, with some sightings as early as April and as late as July. Dissections and cross-sections of the mushrooms showed a consistent yellow pore surface and cap color. Spore prints taken from the mushrooms in KOH solution confirmed the identity of Boletus aureissimus. The fungus was often found in large numbers, with multiple mushrooms growing together in the same area. Overall, the observations suggest that Boletus aureissimus is a common and widespread species in East and Central Texas.