Content
Poplar scale is an inedible representative of the Strophariaceae family. The variety is not considered poisonous, so there are fans who eat them. In order not to be deceived in your choice, you need to be able to distinguish them by varietal descriptions, look at photos, and know the place and time of growth.
What does poplar flake look like?
The species received its name for the numerous scales covering the fruiting body, as well as for its ability to grow and bear fruit on poplar trunks and roots. Getting acquainted with scaly poplar must begin with external characteristics.
Description of the cap
The variety has a convex cap measuring 5-20 cm, which straightens over time and acquires a smooth surface.The yellow-whitish surface is covered with fibrous, pointed scales; they completely disappear with age. The pulp is white and soft. In young specimens it has a sweetish taste, in older 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 breaks through over time 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 fruit body is fleshy, fibrous with a pronounced malt aroma. The cylindrical leg is covered with dense large scales, which disappear over time.
Is it possible to eat poplar flakes or not?
This specimen belongs to the inedible, but not poisonous species. Since it has delicate pulp and a malty smell, the mushroom has its fans. After prolonged boiling, poplar flakes can be cooked. It makes delicious stewed and fried dishes. But since the variety is inedible, it is not recommended to be eaten.
Where and how does it grow
The species prefers to grow on living and rotting trunks of deciduous and coniferous trees. Can be found in small groups or alone in the south of Russia, Altai, and Primorsky Krai. Peak fruiting occurs in mid-summer and continues throughout the warm period.
Doubles and their differences
The poplar flake mushroom has no poisonous counterparts. But she is often confused with a similar double.
Common scale 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 pungent, while in young specimens it is sweetish. After a long boil, small mushrooms can be used to prepare fried, stewed and pickled dishes.
Conclusion
Poplar scale is an inedible representative of the fungal kingdom. The variety prefers to grow on stumps or dead wood of deciduous trees. It can be recognized by its small fruiting bodies with a beautiful scaly cap and a dense, short stem.
