Distribution: Confined to the Pacific Coast.

Habitat: Common under Sitka spruce.

Conservation Status: Not of concern

Phellodon atratus is easily overlooked because of its dark purple-black cap color. It is most often noticed when growing in large troops among bright green mosses. The caps are somewhat zoned with the edges normally a bit lighter in color, the spines are very short and light gray to dark gray to purplish gray, and the flesh is purple- or blue-black. P. melaleucus is generally similar, but the caps are dark brown with purplish tints and pale edges, bruise brownish, and are easily imprinted when touched with a finger.