Boletus abieticola (Thiers)

California has a few members of Section Appendiculati that appear endemic to the region. Interestingly, while not present in other parts of North America, some of them are virtually indistinguishable from the European species, such as B. regius and B. pseudoregius. The major distinguishing characteristic of Boletus abieticola are the scales on the cap that become apparent  only when the sporocarp is well cleaned. This species is known only from higher elevations of Sierra Nevada and adjacent ranges and tends to fruit from late Spring to late Summer! It seems associated mainly with Red Fir (Abies magnifica), thus the name, but I have noticed fruitings squarely under pine. Other reports suggest fruitings under pine too.

The scales emerge only after a careful dust off.

Paled out form