Identity
Unique IDELEMENT_GLOBAL.57.9775
Element CodeNFNHP00006
Record TypeSPECIES
ClassificationSpecies
Classification StatusStandard
Name CategoryFungus
IUCNEndangered
Endemicoccurs (regularly, as a native taxon) in multiple nations
KingdomFungi
PhylumBasidiomycota
ClassBasidiomycetes
OrderBoletales
FamilyRhizopogonaceae
GenusRhizopogon
SynonymsAlpova alexsmithiiTrappe
Concept ReferenceTrappe, J.M. 1975. A revision of the genus Alpova with notes on Rhizopogon and the Melanogastraceae. Nova Hedwigia Beih. 51:279-309
Taxonomic CommentsSpecies Fungorum (2018) transfers Alpova alexsmithii to Rhizopogon alexsmithii.
Conservation Status
Rank MethodLegacy Rank calculation - Biotics v1
Review Date2019-03-25
Change Date2004-05-14
Edition Date2019-03-29
Edition AuthorsFrancisco J. Camacho (2002), rev. C. Lawrence and M. Trappe (2017), rev. Treher (2019)
Threat ImpactUnknown
Range Extent20,000-200,000 square km (about 8000-80,000 square miles)
Number of Occurrences6 - 20
Rank ReasonsRhizopogon alexsmithii occurs from mid to high elevation old growth Tsuga forests in the Cascade Mountains of Oregon, Washington, and British Columbia. Sites from Washington and British Columbia are historic but the species is extant, based on recent collections, in Oregon. The species is threatened, with its host species, by fire, logging, road maintenance, and recreation. The species is suffering from habitat declines, which is likely exasperated by limited dispersal capabilities.
Range Extent CommentsRhizopogon alexsmithii occurs along the upper Cascades from Lane County, Oregon and Washington and in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada (N. Siegel, pers. comm., )
Occurrences CommentsThe only recent collections for this species are from Oregon (Mt. Hood National Forest). There are historic additional historic occurrences from Oregon, Washington (1), and British Columbia (1).
Threat Impact CommentsThis species occurs in old growth forest that has and continues to decline due to logging and stand replacing fires. Recreation related development, including roads for recreational activities and campgrounds, is a threat. Foot traffic, primarily around campgrounds, is a threat, as it compacts the soil.