Assessment Notes

Justification

Hymenogaster subalpinus is a widespread hypogeous fungus in western North America. It is common, especially in Douglas fir forests of the Pacific Northwest, and is assessed as Least Concern (LC).

---

Taxonomic notes

It was described based on an Idaho, USA type collection (Smith 1966).

---

Geographic range

This species is widespread in western North America, from northern California into southern British Columbia, east into the Rocky Mountains, and south to Arizona (MyCoPortal 2021).

---

Population and Trends

The population is widespread in conifer forests in western North America. There are 51 collections reported on MyCoPortal (2021), from about 25 localities, but it is likely to be highly under-reported. Trappe et al. (2007) say it is a “common winter species in the Pacific Northwest”, while Trappe et al. (2009), state it is “abundant, southern WA to northern CA and northern ID”. No decline has been noted.

Population Trend: stable

---

Habitat and Ecology

It is ectomycorrhizal with Pinaceae, especially Douglas fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii), from low elevation to montane forests. Fruit bodies are hypogeous, fruiting in late fall into spring. This species is likely dependent on mycophagy (primarily eaten by small mammals) for spore dispersal.

---

Threats

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

---

Conservation Actions

No specific conservation actions are needed with regards to this species. Modern taxonomic research should be carried out on Hymenogaster in western North America.

---

Use and Trade

No use/trade is known.

---

Source and Citation

Siegel, N. 2021. Hymenogaster subalpinus. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2021: e.T195924190A195925758. https://dx.doi.org/10.2305/IUCN.UK.2021-2.RLTS.T195924190A195925758.en .Downloaded on 29 September 2021

---

• Country occurrence