Distribution: It occurs thoughout the PNW, elsewhere in northern North America, and in Europe and Asia.
Habitat: Grows on conifer logs.
Conservation Status: Not of concern
Edibility: Edible
conifer tuft, smoky-gilled woodlover
Edible
In the PNW, Hypholoma capnoides probably is the most commonly eaten, for food, of the species in these three genera, although it probably is not on the top-ten list of many mycophagists. It grows in clusters on conifer logs and can be quite abundant at times. Unusual for a hypholoma, it can have a viscid cap, although most guides report it as dry to moist only. Its gills are grayish when young and the flesh has a mild taste, both of which characteristics separate it from the similar H. fasciculare.
PNW Herbaria: Specimen records of Hypholoma capnoides in the Consortium of Pacific Northwest Herbaria database
CalPhotos: Hypholoma capnoides photos