Albatrellus ovinus

Description

The cap is 4–20 cm wide, convex then flat or depressed, and white then tan or pinkish. The surface is dry and smooth but cracks with age. The whitish stalk is 2.5–10 cm tall and 1–4 cm wide, perhaps branching, with an equal or larger base. The spore print is white.

Similar species

The inedible, closely related and comparatively rare Albatrellus subrubescens has subtle color differences from A. ovinus, and the only spores of the former are amyloid.

Also similar are Albatrellus flettii, Jahnoporus hirtus, Scutiger ellisii, and S. pes-caprae.

Distribution and habitat

It is found in northern Europe and in North America. In the latter, it is found from the Pacific Northwest to Northern California, in addition to the Mountain states, the Great Lakes area, the Appalachians, and the Northeast.

Uses

The species may be edible if cooked thoroughly, but is typically slimy and may have a laxative effect. It is not recommended by some guides.

It is sold commercially in Finland.

References

References

1. (2012). "Field Guide to Mushrooms of Western North America". [[University of California Press]].
2. [[Audubon]]. (2023). "Mushrooms of North America". [[Knopf]].
3. (1997). "Evolution of gilled mushrooms and puffballs inferred from ribosomal DNA sequences". Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America.
4. W. Julich, 1984: Die Nichtblatterpilze, Gallertpilze und Bauchpilze. Kleine Kryptogamenflora Band II Teil b/1
5. J. Breitenbach, F. Kranzlin, 1986: Pilze der Schweiz, Band 2. Nichtblatterpilze.
6. Arora, David. (1986). "Mushrooms Demystified: A Comprehensive Guide to the Fleshy Fungi". [[Ten Speed Press]].
7. Phillips, Roger. (2010). "Mushrooms and Other Fungi of North America". Firefly Books.
8. (2008). "Element Concentrations in Wild Edible Mushrooms in Finland". Finnish Environment Institute.