Xerocomellus atropurpureus was a ‘cryptic species’ hiding under the epithet Xerocomellus (Boletus) zelleri. It was recently described as a distinct species (Frank et al. 2020), and is far more common and widespread than X. zelleri.

Xerocomellus atropurpureus is a common and widespread bolete in western North America. It occurs in a wide variety of habitat types, from young to mature forests, associating with both conifers and hardwoods. No decline has been observed. We recommend it should be listed as Least Concern (LC).

Occurring in coastal and coast range forests from Santa Barbara County, California, USA, and from the southern Sierra Nevada in montane forests, north into southern British Columbia, Canada. Also in the northern Rocky Mountains in eastern Washington and Idaho.

Population is widespread and stable across western North America.  Occurring in many different habitat types; from young to mature forest.

Ectomycorrhizal with both conifers, and occasionally oaks (Quercus spp.), in a wide variety of habitat types; especially common in northern Californian mixed evergreen forests and throughout the Pacific Northwest in coast to montane conifer forests.  Fruiting in fall and early winter, or occasionally in spring on the California and Oregon coast, and summer at higher elevations.

This species is common and widespread in a wide variety of habitats, and no threats have been observed.

None needed.

None needed.

This species is edible, and occasionally collected for food.

Frank J.L., Siegel, N., Schwarz, C.F., Araki, B. and Vellinga, E.C. 2020. Xerocomellus (Boletaceae) in western North America. Fungal Systematics and
Evolution 6: 265–288

Siegel, N. and Schwarz, C. 2016. Mushrooms of the Redwood Coast: A Comprehensive Guide to the Fungi of Coastal Northern California. Ten Speed Press, Emeryville, CA. 602 pp.

iNaturalist. 2020. https://www.inaturalist.org/