Contents
Poplar flake is an inedible representative of the Strophariaceae family. The variety is not considered poisonous, so there are lovers who eat them. In order not to be deceived in the choice, you need to be able to distinguish them by varietal descriptions, view photos, know the place and time of growth.
What does poplar flake look like
The species got its name for the numerous scales covering the fruiting body, as well as for the ability to grow, bear fruit on the trunks and roots of poplar. Acquaintance with poplar flake must begin with external characteristics.
Cap Description
The variety has a convex cap measuring 5-20 cm, which eventually straightens and acquires a flat surface. The yellow-whitish surface is covered with fibrous pointed scales, which completely disappear with age. The flesh is white and soft. In young specimens, it has a sweetish taste, in old specimens it is bitter.
The bottom is lamellar, gray-whitish plates partially adhere to the stem. In young representatives, the plates are covered with a light film, which eventually breaks through and goes down. In adult specimens, the ring is absent.
Description of the leg
The leg is short and thick, up to 10 cm long, about 4 cm thick. The fruiting body is fleshy, fibrous with a pronounced malty smell. The cylindrical leg is covered with dense large scales, which disappear with time.
Is it possible to eat poplar flakes or not
This specimen belongs to inedible, but not poisonous species. Since it has tender flesh and a malty smell, the mushroom has its fans. Poplar flake after a long boil can be cooked. It makes delicious stews and fried dishes. But since the variety is inedible, it is not recommended to eat it.
Where and how to grow
The species prefers to grow on living and decaying trunks of deciduous and coniferous trees. Can be found in small groups or singly in the south of Our Country, in Altai, in the Primorsky Territory. Peak fruiting occurs in the middle of summer and continues throughout the warm period.
Twins and their differences
Poplar flake fungus has no poisonous twins. But she is often confused with a similar double.
Common flake is a conditionally edible species that grows in coniferous and deciduous forests. Fruiting lasts from July to early autumn. The mushroom has a pale yellow hemispherical cap with numerous pointed scales. The pulp is fleshy, there is no smell. In adult specimens, the taste is burning-sharp, in young specimens – sweetish. After a long boil from small mushrooms, you can cook fried, stewed and pickled dishes.
Conclusion
Poplar flake is an inedible representative of the mushroom kingdom. The variety prefers to grow on stumps or dead wood of deciduous trees. It can be recognized by small fruiting bodies with a beautiful scaly cap and a dense, short stem.