Found under an Oak tree in a grassy zone. This area was ONCE a forest but was clear cut a year ago. Near it was a variety of Russula and a grey capped Amanita as well as some ringless honey mushrooms. Found in NE Kansas....I'm having a bit of a time trying to find an ID for these. The largest cap was 8' across and stood 7' high. When freshly broken the inside remained white...then turned pink...then went to a deep purplish/black. VERY slowly. Fresh ones had a smoother cap but as they aged it started to crackle. The pores looked a grey/yellow/brown.... Taste test? No spice/bitterness.............still waiting on the spore print.
I would call it either Leccinum crocipodium (synonym for L. nigrescens) or Leccinum rugosiceps. http://www.mushroomexpert.com/leccinum_uncertain.html#crocipodium http://www.mushroomexpert.com/leccinum_rugosiceps.html . . . though I suspect these species may represent the same thing. Best wishes, Michael
The description to the rugosiceps especially seems to match? They were definately found in a previously disturbed area, found under the Oak tree, staining fit....thanx Michael for helping me here! I'm still waiting on the spore print and may be sending a sample to someone who can do some more tests just to be sure.
