Described as Cantharellus bonarii (Morse 1930), then transferred to the genus Gomphus (Singer 1945.).  Phylogenetic studies (Giachini 2004, Giachini & Castellano 2011) used conserved genetic regions to synonymize this name with Turbinellus floccosus. Other lines of evidence suggest that G. bonarii should be recognized as a distinct species. However, it was directly synonymized with Turbinellus floccosus (Giachini & Castellano 2011), and not transferred to Turbinellus, and thus to treat it separately, it is still formally within the genus Gomphus (where it doesn’t belong).

The taxon treated in this description is based on a concept of a montane/northern species that is more pallid than the red-capped coastal form in Western North America going by the name T. floccosus; it is likely that neither taxon is conspecific with T. floccosus sensu stricto (described from Pennsylvania). More work is needed to delimit species in this complex

Gomphus bonarii is widely distributed and very common throughout the higher elevation forests of the western United States. In many years, it is the most commonly encountered macro fungus in the Sierra Nevada and southern Cascade ranges; no sign of decline has been noted. This fungus should be listed as Least Concern (LC).

Through most of the mountain ranges in California, USA; especially common in the Sierra Nevada and Cascade Range, continuing north on the east side of the Cascade Range into Washington. Possibly in the northern Rocky Mountains in eastern Washington, Idaho and Montana too.

Widely distributed and very common throughout the higher elevations forests of the western United States. In many years, it is the most commonly encountered macro fungus in the Sierra Nevada and southern Cascade ranges (Siegel et al 2019). There is no sign of decline with this species.

Scattered or in clumps in needle duff and soil in mixed conifer forest. Ectomycorrhizal, presumably associating with both pines (Pinus spp.) and fir (Abies spp.). Primarily fruiting in fall, but also occasionally late spring or summer, in mid to high elevation forests.

No specific threats have been identified with regards to this species.

No specific conservation actions is needed with regards to this species.

Multi gene phylogenetic work is needed to delimit species concepts in the Turbinellus floccosus complex. Gomphus bonarii needs to be transferred to the genus Turbinellus.

Giachini A.J. 2004. Systematics, Phylogeny, and Ecology of Gomphus sensu lato. Ph.D. Dissertation. Oregon State University: Corvalis, OR.

Giachini, A.J. and Castellano, M.A.. 2011. A new taxonomic classification for species in Gomphus sensu lato. Mycotaxon 115: 183–201.

iNaturalist. 2020. Available at: https://www.inaturalist.org

Morse, E.E. 1930. A new chanterelle in California. Mycologia 22: 219–220.
Singer, R. 1945. New genera of fungi. Lloydia 8:139–144

Mushroom Observer. 2017. Available at: http://mushroomobserver.org

MyCoPortal. 2020. Mycology Collections Portal. Available at: http://mycoportal.org

Siegel, N., Vellinga, E.C., Schwarz, C., Castellano, M.A. and Ikeda, D. 2019. A Field Guide to the Rare Fungi of California’s National Forests. Bookmobile: Minneapolis, MN. 313 p.