On the Lookout: Velvet-footed Pax

Howdy coastal CA mycophiles, the summer is waning and our mushroom season is nigh.

It is now prime time to search for Tapinella atrotomentosa in Santa Cruz County (and on the Redwood Coast in general). They appear to be having a good season in the PNW this late summer of 2019. They are often found near rotting wood (almost always coniferous), and are easily recognized by their large size, pronounced fuzzy black stipes, and velvety tan-brown caps.

This species is quite rare in Santa Cruz County (having been found in Henry Cowell Redwood State Park). Any observations you make of this species will be much appreciated.

Here are a few good observations to help you get a sense of what they look like:
http://www.inaturalist.org/observations/7420811
http://www.inaturalist.org/observations/4859017

Posted on August 21, 2019 08:33 PM by leptonia