Distribution: Uncommon
Habitat: Occurs in scattered groups on conifer needles.
Conservation Status: Not of concern
Heyderia abietis is an uncommon, or maybe just rarely noticed, species that occurs in scattered groups on conifer needles including, as the species name suggests, those of true firs. It rarely grows to as much as an inch tall and its yellow-brown to dull brown color makes the fruitbodies difficult to spot amongst dead brown needles. The spores are slender cylindrical, 11--15 x 1.5--2.5 µm, and have no cross-walls. It could be confused with species of Mitrula (and once was placed in that genus), but the dull brownish coloration sets it apart.
PNW Herbaria: Specimen records of Heyderia abietis in the Consortium of Pacific Northwest Herbaria database
CalPhotos: Heyderia abietis photos