commonly known white birch white ghost species fungus family found northern asia europe northeastern north_america associates birch trees typically found areas growing moss mushrooms convex caps measuring diameter pure white especially young caps buff brownish whitish surface stipe covered small stiff projecting scales tan darker age varieties described vary cap color reaction dna evidence suggests taxon edible opinions vary taxonomy initially named species german mycologist fungus later transferred synonyms resulting transfer different genera include published synonyms according include described france classified section genus grouping includes species exclusively birch specific epithet greek perfect stalk common names given fungus include white birch white ghost described form described flesh green injury variety described collections michigan injured flesh reddish described taxon later published variety molecular evidence found supporting existence distinct taxon placed var described originally published singer historical variety independent taxonomic significance description convex flattened caps measuring diameter narrow band sterile tissue surrounding margin caps initially whitish develop gray buff tan pinkish maturity color greenish age cap surface initially covered fine hairs later smooth sticky texture age moist conditions flesh white lacks distinct odor taste little color reaction injury light pink variety cap underside surface comprising pores numbering millimeter end tube extends deep color surface ranges whitish grayish brown little color reaction injury yellowish brownish depression pores meet stipe stipe measures long wide whitish surface covered age tan darker stipe base bluish produces brown spore print spores somewhat shaped measure basidia spore bearing cells spored measure cystidia pores shaped stipe club shaped cylindrical measuring clamp connections present hyphae cap cuticle arranged form hyphae run parallel cap surface chemical tests help verify identification drop solution turns cap cuticle pinkish color reaction flesh drop potassium reaction cap surface reaction brownish reaction flesh application iron solution reaction cap surface reaction slightly olive coloration flesh similar species similar appearance grows association oak southerly distribution widely distributed distinguished larger size generally darker colors edibility commonly considered edible opinions vary appeal writing edible mushrooms considers good edible book fungi edible said recommended harvested young flesh insect larvae establish minimal cleaning required field mushroom mild somewhat sweet flavor enhanced brief drying mushrooms flavor sweetness fresh mushrooms habitat distribution mycorrhizal species fruits ground moss singly scattered wet areas like cedar swamps forests like species fungus highly host specific associates birch north_america range extends eastern canada new_york extending west northern rocky_mountains roughly coinciding distribution paper birch range common fruits august october var known north_america fungus rare southern europe common swamps north asia recorded taiwan china source food fly species family family
Leccinum holopus