Asterophora parasitica (Bull.) Singer
Lilloa 22: 171. 1951.

Common Name: none

Synonym: Nyctalis parasitica (Bull.) Fr.

• Description

  For descriptions see Castellano et al. and Siegel & Schwarz.

• Habitat

  Fruiting on decayed Russula especially the R. dissimulans–R. nigricans complex), in the north coastal part of the state. Rare.

• Edibility

  Unknown.

• Comments

  Asterophora parasitica can be recognized by its whitish to grey cap, brownish gills, and growth on decaying Russulas. It is most likely confused with Asterophora lycoperdoides.

• References

  Castellano, M.A., Cázares, E., Fondrick, B. & Dreisbach, T. (2003). Handbook to additional fungal species of special concern in the Northwest Forest Plan (Gen. Tech Rep. PNW-GTR-572). U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Pacific Northwest Research Station: Portland, OR. 144 p. (PDF)
  Redhead, S.A. & Seifert, K.A. (2001). Asterophora Ditmar ex Link 1809 versus Nyctalis Fries 1825, and the status of Ugola Adanson 1763. Taxon 50: 243-268.
  Siegel, N. & Schwarz, C. (2016). Mushrooms of the Redwood Coast. Ten Speed Press: Berkeley, CA. 601 p.
  Siegel, N. & Schwarz, C. (2024). Mushrooms of Cascadia: A Comprehensive Guide to the Fungi of the Pacific Northwest. Backcountry Press: Keeland, CA. 576 p.

• Other Descriptions and Photos
  Main Photo
  • Noah Siegel: Asterophora parasitica (CP)
  • Noah Siegel: Asterophora parasitica (CP)
  • Christian Schwarz: Asterophora parasitica (CP)
  • Christian Schwarz: Asterophora parasitica (CP)
  • Warren Cardimona: Asterophora parasitica (CP)
  • Warren Cardimona: Asterophora parasitica (CP)
  • Mushroom Observer: Asterophora parasitica (CP)
  • iNaturalist: Asterophora parasitica (CP)
  • Wikipedia: Asterophora parasitica (D & CP)
  • First Nature: Asterophora parasitica (D & CP)
  
  

  (D=Description; I=Illustration; P=Photo; CP=Color Photo)