It is a mushroom that needs no introduction even to less advanced mushroom enthusiasts. It can be found mainly in mixed forests, but mainly prefers locations with birch and aspen trees and a lot of pines.

Red-capped scaber stalk

The first specimens can be found in spring, if it is warm and humid, but the greatest rash of this mushroom species occurs at the turn of the European summer and autumn, i.e. in September.

The fungus is very distinctive, especially its early stage. His red or orange hat in combination with a thick, massive stem looks like a giant match.

The hat has different colors, but they all hover around red. It can be a strong orange, brick, rusty or even brown color. With age, the hat becomes semi-convex and can reach a diameter of more than 20 cm.

The leg is hard, fleshy, white in color with black villi. The taste and smell of this species is very pleasant, mushroom.

Culinary, this mushroom has many uses, but it tastes best in vinegar because its hardness and fleshiness do not disappear quickly in the process of thermal processing.

Hallucinogenic mushroom?

Another interesting species encountered is Pluteus salicinus. It is a rare species of arboreal mushroom, which is not under protection, but it deserves it.

It is an edible mushroom (supposedly a hallucinogenic mushroom), but it does not bring special flavors to the kitchen. He has an olive gray hat. It does not reach impressive dimensions, because the hat can be a maximum of 6-7 cm in diameter.

The leg is thin, cylindrical, sometimes it reaches 10 cm in length. It's full inside. The mushroom has no special taste qualities, the smell and taste are slightly earthy.

Be careful 😉