Stropharia albivelata

Mycobank (2025) recognizes Pholiota albivelata as the accepted name for this element.

Stropharia albovelata (<- Pholiota albivelata) is saprophytic on coniferous debris in coniferous rainforests in the coastal regions of Washington, Oregon, and California. It is endemic to the northern spotted owl region of North America, where it is regarded as rare. Approximately 41 occurrences have been reported, with only 3 occurrences known to be extant, all in Oregon where recent NWF plan surveys have been regularly conducted. The 9 known sites that occur within currently protected areas may be thought to preserve the original habitat. This species' unknown biology and patchy occurrence preclude estimation of population size, area of occupancy, and long-term trends. All populations are at risk from incidental catastrophic events such as wildfire and anything that removes or destroys the substrate and habitat. Continuation of fungal surveys by monitors who are looking for a Stropharia instead of a Pholiota may reveal additional known occurrences.

An endemic restricted to the northern spotted owl region in western North America, in the United States, Stropharia albovelata (<- Pholiota albivelata) ranges from the Canadian border from the coast to the western slope Cascade range south to Humboldt and Trinity counties in California. (Castellano et al. 1999, Norvell & Redhead 2000, Norvell & Exeter 2003, ISMS Database 2002 and GIS map for PHAL17).

Endemic to the northern spotted owl region of the U.S., there are at least 41 occurrences represented by 57 collections of Stropharia albovelata (<- Pholiota albivelata) in Washington, Oregon, and California (Norvell 2002 pers comm., Norvell & Redhead 2000, Norvell & Exeter 2003, Castellano et al. 1999, ISMS-ONH 2002). Castellano et al. 1999 note that of the 52 collections cited there, ""most sites have scant information that does not allow specific land allocation to be determined"" and thus mapped. Continued fungal surveys using additional information provided in Norvell & Redhead 2000 should uncover additional sites. (Norvell 2002 pers comm).

Stropharia albovelata (<- Pholiota albivelata) occurs within complex mid-successional to late-successional old-growth coniferous forests and has recently been confirmed from a 55-year old aerially seeded and interplanted Douglas fir plantation. Whatever threatens the general habitat, microclimates, and/or substrate can imperil this species. All populations are at risk to incidental catastrophic events, such as hot fires, and unmonitored human interference. Unprotected occurrences are at risk from logging activities such as brush/debris clearing after thinning operations. Populations are thought to be at risk to clean- and possibly clear-cutting (Norvell pers comm 2002).