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Old man of the woods

Strobilomyces confusus

A species of Strobilomyces

The dark mushrooms of the old man of the woods (Strobilomyces confusus) have an extensive range and grow as far north as the Northeastern United States, and south to Colombia. Their caps' shaggy appearance has inspired the nickname "Old Man Of The Woods." Its spores are an inky-black color and can stain.

Cap Diameter:

3 - 10 cm

Odor:

Mild, non-distinctive earthy scent.

General Info About Old man of the woods

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Attributes of Old man of the woods

Cap Diameter

3 - 10 cm

Height

5 - 12 cm

Cap

Cap 3 - 10 cm; convex; whitish to grayish; dry, covered with black scales; the margin hung with a whitish to grayish partial veil

Cap Shape

Convex

Cap Surfaces

Fibrillose-scaly

Stem

Stem 4 - 10 cm long, 5 - 20 mm thick; equal; apex whitish to grayish, dark gray to black below

Stem Shapes

Cylindrical

Stem Surfaces

Scaly

Flesh

Whitish; turning reddish when sliced

Ring

Ephemeral ring or ring zone

Ring

With Ring Zone

Spore Print Color

Black

Odor

Mild, non-distinctive earthy scent.

Body Color

Gray

White

Flesh Bruises

Discolor to reddish or gray-black

Growth Form

Scattered

Nutrient Gathering

Mycorrhizal

Substrate

On soil

You can find Old man of the woods by these plants:

Oaks, Pines

Occurence Habitats

Deciduous Woodland

Species Status

Common

Endangered Species

How to Identify Old man of the woods

Fruiting Body Cap Pores

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Habitat of Old man of the woods

The Strobilomyces confusus is a woodland mushroom that forms a symbiotic relationship with oak trees. It helps the tree absorb water and nutrients while the tree feeds it with sugars and amino acids. Fruitbodies grow up from the ground, near the roots of the host tree.

Scientific Classification of Old man of the woods

Phylum

Club fungi

Class

Mushroom-forming fungi

Order

Boletes and allies

Family

Boletes

Genus

Strobilomyces

Toxicity and Edibility of Old man of the woods

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Edibility of Old man of the woods

This mushroom is reported to be edible when thoroughly cooked. It is said to have a good texture, but it has a mellow flavor and is not considered particularly desirable by most mushroom lovers. Younger specimens are said to have a better taste.

Similar Species to Old man of the woods

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Tips for Finding Old man of the woods

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What are the Ideal Soil Conditions for Old man of the woods

Prefers moist, well-drained soil rich in organic matter.

What are Some Tips for Finding Old man of the woods

Search under oak trees, where old man of the woods is commonly found.
Look for areas with abundant leaf litter which provides the moist conditions preferred by old man of the woods.
Inspect well-drained locations where the soil is rich in organic content.
Gently move aside fallen leaves to reveal any hidden old man of the woods mushrooms.
Visit forests regularly, as repeated exploration increases the chance of locating old man of the woods.

How to Clean and Preserve Old man of the woods

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Common Questions People Also Ask

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More Mushrooms That Are Similar to Old man of the woods

Old man of the woods

Strobilomyces strobilaceus