The Rockies

The Rockies - Early September 2006

The mushroom season was at an advanced stage as it had been raining for two months non stop. Almost all exploration was at high elevatopns: 7,000 - 11,000 ft. The primary habitat consisted of pines: Lodgepole and Ponderosa (P. contorta, P. ponderosa). Spruce, Fir, Hemlock and Douglas fir were present too. Aspen stands were frequent. The lower elevations (below 7000 ft) looked arid.

This is a partial list of the specimens encountered. The Tricholomas provided for a good study of the genus. There were plenty of Russulas -- some gave me a bloody nose trying to identify them. Due to the abundance of fleshy specimens, most LBMs were ignored.

Clavariadelphus ligula

Cystoderma terrei (= C. cinnabarium)

Clitocybe vibecina Not fragrant!! This is an important difference from the very similar looking fragrant species. Under mixed Populus tremula (Aspen) and Pinus spp.

Collybia cookei

Cortinarius griseoviolaceus (A.H. Smith) Odor: none; Taste: mild. KOH: negative. Otherwise C. traganus is a better candidate based on looks alone

Cortinarius caesiocanescens The main conifer loving member of the Caerulescentes group.

Cortinarius mucosus

Hygrophorus chrysodon

Hygrophorus erubescens

Hygrophorus gliocyclus

Hygrophorus marzuolus

Hygrophorus russula

Inocybe dulcamara

Lactarius barrowsii

Lactarius rubrilacteus

Lactarius uvidus I have hard time distinguishing from R. pallescens, but the pinkish-lilac color suggests L. uvidus. The analysis should probably be more technical...

Lepiota magnispora

Leucopaxillus sp. Similar spore size as L. gentianeus, but doesn't quite look like it. Odor: none, Taste: farinaceous/astringent Spores 4-5.5 x 4-4.3µ, strongly amyloid.

Marasmius androsaceus Branched cystidia and clamp connections. An epicuticular element. M. pallidocephalus is very similar externally and in habitat (conifers), but the micro-structures speak clearly of M. androsaceus (per Desjardin).

Paxillus vernalis

Rhizopogon sp.

Russula cessans Characteristic yellow gills and mild taste. Partial to complete reticulation by heavy ridges in some cases.

Russula cyanoxantha var. cutefracta Low warts with scattered short connectives, rarely networked.

Russula decolorans Low warts with rare connectives. According to Steve Miller DNA evidence shows that what we have in North America is quite different from the European taxon.

Russula densifolia Taste: bitterish. Slight reddening of the gills before turning black. The Nigricantes require more analysis on the fresh fruitbody for a good id. Much stronger ornamentation than R. albonigra.

Russula graveolens There aren't many other choices in the Viridantinae that have somewhat reticulate spores. The European concept of R. graveolens is quite different both macroscopically and in habitat (deciduous woods). According to Steve Miller, this one is closer to the European R. xerampelina (article pending).

Russula lilacea (??) Looks a lot like it but the spores (5.5-7x5-6.5µ) show more ridges than described by Thiers.

Russula turci

Russula xerampelina var. rubra The "classic" variation. Rare connectives, no reticulation.

Russula sp. Couldn't find a satisfactory match for this small Russula. If it wasn't for the pinkish stipe, R. aquosa would be a good candidate. Taste: mild SP: 6-9x6-6.5μ Low warts, many fine connecting lines, sometimes forming a partial reticulum.

Sarcodon squamosus Darvin DeShazer pointed out this article clarifying the differences between S. imbricatum and S. squamosus: http://www-mykopat.slu.se/Newwebsite/mycorrhiza/kantarellfiler/texter/sarcodon.pdf