Chrysomphalina grossula is a species of fungus that grows on decaying conifer logs. In East and Central Texas, it typically fruits in the fall and early winter, producing orange to yellowish-orange caps with wrinkled surfaces and white gills. The fungus is often found in moist, shaded areas with abundant conifer debris, such as along streams and in wooded ravines.
Mushrooms Chrysomphalina grossula(?) under pines with some oaks, with much of dead pine wood, on Stubblefield section of Lone Star hiking trail north from Trailhead No. 6 in Sam Houston National Forest. Texas, December 19, 2021 Lone Star Hiking Trail, Walker County, Texas, United States
Underside of mushrooms Chrysomphalina grossula(?) under pines and oaks on Stubblefield section of Lone Star hiking trail north from Trailhead No. 6 in Sam Houston National Forest. Texas, December 19, 2021 Lone Star Hiking Trail, Walker County, Texas, United States
Side view of mushrooms Chrysomphalina grossula(?) under pines and oaks on Stubblefield section of Lone Star hiking trail north from Trailhead No. 6 in Sam Houston National Forest. Texas, December 19, 2021 Lone Star Hiking Trail, Walker County, Texas, United States
Gills of mushrooms Chrysomphalina grossula(?) under pines and oaks on Stubblefield section of Lone Star hiking trail north from Trailhead No. 6 in Sam Houston National Forest. Texas, December 19, 2021 Lone Star Hiking Trail, Walker County, Texas, United States
Caps of mushrooms Chrysomphalina grossula(?) under pines and oaks on Stubblefield section of Lone Star hiking trail north from Trailhead No. 6 in Sam Houston National Forest. Texas, December 19, 2021 Lone Star Hiking Trail, Walker County, Texas, United States
Mushrooms Chrysomphalina grossula(?) on black background on Stubblefield section of Lone Star hiking trail north from Trailhead No. 6 in Sam Houston National Forest. Texas, December 19, 2021 Lone Star Hiking Trail, Walker County, Texas, United States
AI-generated summary of observations
Mushrooms identified as Chrysomphalina grossula were observed under pines with some oaks in the Sam Houston National Forest, specifically on the Stubblefield section of the Lone Star hiking trail. The mushrooms were found near dead pine wood, suggesting a possible association with decaying wood. Observations of the mushrooms' underside, side view, gills, and caps were made, providing detailed documentation of their morphology. The mushrooms were also photographed on a black background to enhance visibility of their features. All observations were made on December 19, 2021, in East and Central Texas, indicating that Chrysomphalina grossula may be present in this region during the winter months. The presence of oaks and pines in the surrounding area suggests a potential relationship between the fungus and these tree species.