A Group of Pholiota squarrosa... I Think!

This photo is not the best. These mushrooms were on the side of a conifer near a trail in a mixed forest. They were on the side that could not be seen from the trail but could only be seen when I walked around the stump through the salal. I was rushed for time with the thought I could return to take a better picture. Returning the next day all I found was a black scar on the stump where these ‘shrooms once were. I now have read that squirrels prefer these mushrooms because of their higher protein content. To humans they are considered poisonous particularly when consumed with alcohol.

comments (5)

Flown Kimmerling

Lion

I'm thinking these may be Armillaria gallica babies? <3 Posted 5 years ago, modified 5 years ago
1. Christine Young
  
  Lion
  
  I agree...I've never seen young Pholiota squarrosa, but these look more like Armillaria to me as well. What do you think, Gary? Posted 5 years ago
2. 1. gary fast
    
    Lion
    
    Hey, I am open to any suggestions. I was basing my ID on the fact this family was growing on a conifer which is rather rare for A. gallica. It was unfortunate that they disappeared and did not allow me to get more visual information. A. gallica is edible which may indicate that a human had harvested the ‘shrooms but these same humans missed a basket full of chanterelles growing in full view two steps away from this group. Being rather new at this mushroom ID thing I am willing to let the ID be changed or removed. The disappearance remains a mystery! Posted 5 years ago
  2. 1. Flown Kimmerling
      
      Lion
      
      Indeed. They are edible. I often see them growing like this at the base of trees (more often hardwood than conifer for sure), but I have heard of them growing on conifer as well. Posted 5 years ago
    2. 1. gary fast
        
        Lion
        
        All good to me! Posted 5 years ago

The Bulbous Honey Fungus

"Armillaria gallica" is a species of honey mushroom in the family Physalacriaceae of the order Agaricales. The species is a common and ecologically important wood-decay fungus that can live as a saprobe, or as an opportunistic parasite in weakened tree hosts to cause root or butt rot.

Info 32 0

Similar species: Agaricales

Species identified by Flown Kimmerling