Trailside Field Guide
Old Man of the Woods (Strobilomyces strobilaceus)
Harder to find

Old Man of the Woods

Strobilomyces strobilaceus

Old Man of the Woods (Strobilomyces strobilaceus) is a mushroom that is harder to find in Tennessee. Say it: stroh-bil-oh-my-seez stroh-bil-ay-see-us.

How to know it

  • Shaggy black-and-grey scales
  • Pores underneath
  • No ring

Flesh turns red, then black, when cut

Edible Not very tasty

Never eat a wild mushroom without an expert

Where and when

Oak forests statewide
Fruits

Where to look

  • Grows on Forest soil
  • Trees Oaks
  • Conditions Warm summer rains

Watch

Video coming soon. Old Man of the Woods appears in our Mushrooms of Tennessee on YouTube.

Also out in October

See all mushrooms of Tennessee →

More photos

  • Old Man of the Woods (Strobilomyces strobilaceus) Michael J. Papay (CC BY)
  • Old Man of the Woods (Strobilomyces strobilaceus) Michael J. Papay (CC BY)

Never eat a wild mushroom unless an expert has identified it in person. This page is for learning, not a guide to eating.

Top photo: Michael J. Papay (CC BY) · source. Think something here is wrong? Tell us.