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Western rhizopogon

Rhizopogon occidentalis

A species of Rhizopogon

The western rhizopogon is the most common Rhizopogon and is often considered to be a "false truffle". Western rhizopogon is common to pine and douglas-fir forests of North America and fruits in summer to fall.

Cap Diameter:

1.5 - 7 cm

Odor:

Initially indistinct, becomes distinctly foul over time.

General Info About Western rhizopogon

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Attributes of Western rhizopogon

Cap Diameter

1.5 - 7 cm

Cap

1.5 - 7 cm broad; hypogeous, epigeous, irregularly shaped; yellow; covered by a network of darker rhizomorphs; reddish-brown in age or when handled

Spore Print Color

Colorless

Odor

Initially indistinct, becomes distinctly foul over time.

Body Color

Yellow

White

Flesh Bruises

Discolor to pink or red

Growth Form

Solitary, Gregarious

Nutrient Gathering

Mycorrhizal

Substrate

On soil

You can find Western rhizopogon by these plants:

Pines, Douglas firs, Firs

Occurence Habitats

Coniferous Woodland

Species Status

Most common

Endangered Species

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Habitat of Western rhizopogon

Western rhizopogon is typically found under coniferous trees, favoring environments where pines like Monterey pine and Bishop pine are present.

Scientific Classification of Western rhizopogon

Phylum

Club fungi

Class

Mushroom-forming fungi

Order

Boletes and allies

Family

Rhizopogonaceae

Genus

Rhizopogon

Similar Species to Western rhizopogon

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Tips for Finding Western rhizopogon

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What are the Ideal Soil Conditions for Western rhizopogon

Moist, well-drained, and rich in organic matter.

What are Some Tips for Finding Western rhizopogon

Seek out areas beneath conifers, especially where Monterey and Bishop pines grow.
Look for western rhizopogon where the soil is moist and appears to be rich in organic content.
Gently exploring the soil under these trees can reveal western rhizopogon.
Clustered growth patterns are common; finding one may indicate the presence of more.

How to Clean and Preserve Western rhizopogon

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Common Questions People Also Ask

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