# Xerocomellus

Xerocomellus mushrooms are colorful and can be found in many forests! They grow on the ground and are fun to spot while exploring nature.

- **Category:** [Fungi](https://www.snappit.app/explore/categories/fungi)
- **Rarity:** Common
- **Danger:** 1/5 · Very low
- **Habitat:** Xerocomellus mushrooms thrive in damp, wooded areas, usually near trees.
- **Also known as:** Blue Bolete, Forest Mushroom, Yellow Bolete

![Xerocomellus](https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?title=Special:Redirect/file/Xerocomus_chrysenteron1.jpg&width=800)

Photo: CC BY-SA 2.0 de · [Wikimedia Commons](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Xerocomus_chrysenteron1.jpg)

## Appearance

The Xerocomellus typically has a dry, often velvety cap ranging from yellow to reddish-brown, and a yellow pore surface underneath that bruises blue when touched. Its stem is usually yellow or reddish, often slender.

## Taxonomy

- **Kingdom:** Fungi
- **Phylum:** Basidiomycota
- **Class:** Agaricomycetes
- **Order:** Boletales
- **Family:** Boletaceae
- **Genus:** Xerocomellus

## Interesting facts

- Some Xerocomellus species can pop up almost overnight after a good rain shower!
- Their caps often feel like velvet, soft and smooth if you gently touch them!
- Their tiny spores are carried by wind to start new mushroom colonies!
- These forest fungi are masters of blending in, making them tricky to spot!

## Special abilities

- **Blue Bruise Magic:** Xerocomellus can instantly change color to blue when bruised because of a chemical reaction, which can deter some hungry animals.
- **Forest Soil Engineers:** Xerocomellus contributes to healthy forest ecosystems by cycling nutrients that other plants and organisms need to thrive.

## Measurements & details

- **Height:** 3-12 cm
- **Edible:** edible
- **Size:** 2-10 cm
- **Growth Substrate:** soil
- **Season:** Late summer to fall
- **Spore Color:** Olive-brown

## Ecological connections

- **Symbiotic with:** Pedunculate Oak (*Quercus robur*) — Provides nutrients and water to the tree.
- **Symbiotic with:** [European Beech](https://www.snappit.app/explore/european-beech) (*Fagus sylvatica*) — Shares resources through root connections.
- **Symbiotic with:** [Scots Pine](https://www.snappit.app/explore/scots-pine) (*Pinus sylvestris*) — Forms beneficial root associations.
- **Eaten by:** Eastern Grey Squirrel (*Sciurus carolinensis*) — A food source for forest squirrels.
- **Eaten by:** [Red Deer](https://www.snappit.app/explore/red-deer) (*Cervus elaphus*) — Part of the diet for deer in woodlands.

## Traits

- [Solitary](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/solitary): Solitary animals live alone for most of their lives, only interacting with others for mating or parental care.
- [Colorful](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/colorful): Colorful describes organisms or objects displaying a wide range of bright and distinct colors.
- [Decomposer](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/decomposer): Describes organisms that break down dead organic material, recycling nutrients back into the ecosystem.
- [Forest](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/forest): Forest habitats are terrestrial environments dominated by dense tree cover, supporting a high diversity of plant and animal life.

## Collections

- [Fungi](https://www.snappit.app/explore/collections/fungi)

## Safety

**Danger:** 1/5 · Very low

Always ask an adult before touching or picking mushrooms.

## Frequently Asked Questions

### How to identify Xerocomellus?

Compare the cap shape, the underside, the stem and base, and whether the fungus grows on wood or soil. Some fungi have gills, others pores or teeth. A cap seen only from above often hides the most useful features. Mushroom Identifier: upload a photo and compare the visible details.

### How tall is Xerocomellus?

3-12 cm

### Is Xerocomellus edible?

edible

### How big is Xerocomellus?

2-10 cm

### Where is Xerocomellus usually found?

Xerocomellus mushrooms thrive in damp, wooded areas, usually near trees.

### What does Xerocomellus grow on?

soil

### When is Xerocomellus in season?

Late summer to fall

### What color are Xerocomellus spores?

Olive-brown

## Where to spot

- [West Lake Underhill Park](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/west-lake-underhill-park) — Florida, US · Park

## More Fungi

- [Field Mushroom](https://www.snappit.app/explore/field-mushroom) (*Agaricus*)
- [Button Mushroom](https://www.snappit.app/explore/button-mushroom) (*Agaricus*)
- [Portobello Mushroom](https://www.snappit.app/explore/portobello-mushroom) (*Agaricus*)
- [Shiitake](https://www.snappit.app/explore/shiitake) (*Lentinula*)

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Source: [Xerocomellus: Facts & Places to See — Snappit](https://www.snappit.app/explore/xerocomellus)