Earthfan
Thelephora terrestris
A species of Fiber fans. Also known as Groundwart.
Thelephora terrestris, commonly known as Earthfan, forms distinctive fan-shaped, ruffled fungal growths. These fruitbodies typically emerge directly from the ground and their dark brown hue can make them challenging to detect. While primarily associated with pine trees, where they are a well-known nuisance in nurseries, Earthfans can also be found beneath various other tree species, including both deciduous and evergreen varieties.
In This Article
Attributes of Earthfan
Cap Diameter
2 - 4 cm
Height
1 - 5 cm
Cap
Cap 2 - 4 cm across; fan-shaped to semicircular; purplish to gray-brown; surface smooth, with coarsely hairy
Cap Shape
Depressed
Cap Surfaces
Fibrillose-scaly, Velvety, Visible lines or stripes
Stem
Stem 1 - 2 cm thick; irregular; brown
Stem Shapes
Cylindrical
Flesh
Flesh 2 mm thick; tough; brownish; unchanging when sliced
Spore Print Color
Brown
Odor
Mildly mushroomy but not distinctive.
Body Color
BrownWhite
Flesh Bruises
The flesh or milk does not discolor when bruised or cut.
Growth Form
Solitary, Scattered, Gregarious, Clustered
Nutrient Gathering
Mycorrhizal
Substrate
On soil
You can find Earthfan by these plants
Pitch pine, Spruces, Pines, Firs
Occurence Habitats
Coniferous Woodland, Mixed Woodland
Species Status
Widespread and common
Endangered Species
No
Scientific Classification of Earthfan
Phylum
Club fungi
Class
Mushroom-forming fungi
Order
Thelephorales
Family
Leathery earthfans
Genus
Fiber fans
Toxicity and Edibility of Earthfan
Is Earthfan Toxic?
Toxicity information is not available for this mushroom. Always consult with an expert before consuming any wild mushrooms.
