Chroogomphus tomentosus

Chroogomphus tomentosus, commonly known as the woolly pine spike,^[1][2] is a species of mushroom in the family Gomphidiaceae. It is endemic to western North America.^[3]

The cap of Chroogomphus tomentosus starts out peglike in shape. Later, it becomes conical, umbonate, convex, or flat. It is fibrillose.^[2] Unlike other mushrooms in its group, which typically have viscid caps, Chroogomphus tomentosus does not.^[4] It is orangish in color,^[2] and about 3-10 centimeters in diameter. The stipe is about 5-15 centimeters long and 0.5-1.5 centimeters wide.^[1] The gills most often decurrent, and start out a similar color to the cap. As the mushroom ages, the gills turn tan or brownish.^[1] The spore print is gray or blackish.^[2]

Chroogomphus tomentosus is found in forests with western hemlock, and is commonly found near rotting logs. It forms an association with the admirable bolete (Aureoboletus mirabilis),^[1] a mycorrhizal fungus that forms a symbiotic relationship with hemlock trees. It is likely that C. tomentosus is parasitic to A. mirabilis.^[5] It starts fruiting during summer, and continues into winter.^[1]

As with other species of Chroogomphus, C. tomentosus cooks up slimy, and it is therefore recommended to dry it before eating.^[2] It also turns purple when cooked, like other Chroogomphus species.^[1][2]