Hygrophorus vernalis

Hygrophorus vernalis is an attractive ectomycorrhizal mushroom that characteristically fruit around receding snowbanks. It is habitat limited: restricted to high elevation sites with ample snowpack, most likely associated with Mountain Hemlock in British Columbia, western Washington, Idaho, and California. There are currently 8 known occurrences but the identification of the California material is questionable. Threats to this species include climate change (warmer, drier winters), logging, stand replacing fires, and development for recreation. The most important factors in determining the conservation status of this species are it's narrow habitat requirements and threats.

Hygrophorus vernalis primarily occurs in high elevation mountain hemlock forests with deep snowpack. Known sites in Vancouver, British Columbia; Colville National Forest, Olympic National Park, and Mount Rainier National Park in Washington; Glidden Pass (Shoshone Co.) in Idaho. It is reported from Mt. Shasta in Northern California but identification of the material from California is uncertain (N. Siegel, pers. comm. Mar 2019).

The species is reported from three sites in Washington (Colville National Forest, Olympic National Park, and Mount Rainier National Park). Castellano et al. (1999) report it from three sites in Washington's Olympic National Park, which could be in close proximity, and one from Siskiyou County, California. The species is reported from one site in Vancouver, British Columbia and one site in Idaho at Glidden Pass.

For those sites, mostly historic, from Washington at least 2, if not all 3, are in Olympic National Park so logging is not likely to be a major threat in that area. Development (roads, parking lots, ski runs, campgrounds, etc.) are a potential threat to some of the accessible high elevation sites there. Logging and development are also potential threats to the California population, if it is extant . Climate change also threatens this species. Lower than average snowfall, from warmer and drier winters, is reducing required habitat (snowpack) for fruiting. In Washington, there are known declines in snowpack since the 1950's but future declines of 27 and 29%, or higher depending on the model and emissions modeling scenario, are predicted for the 2020's (Adelsman and Ekrem 2012). In addition, warmer temperatures, reduced snowpack and spring precipitation contribute to more frequent forest fires: stand replacing fires can be detrimental to this species through the loss of host trees for fungal mycelia (Adelsman and Ekrem 2012).