Distribution: Common in PNW and occur elsewhere in the northern U.S., Canada, and Europe.

Habitat: Conifer forests

Conservation Status: Not of concern

Phellodon tomentosus is recognized by its smallish fruitbodies with caps zoned in shades of brown, a whitish cap edge, small grayish spines, and brown flesh. No other phellodon in the PNW has this coloration. Several hydnellums have brownish zoned caps, but they usually are larger and have brown spores. Frequently, numerous individuals of P. tomentosus can be found together, many with the edges of their caps fused together. In this form, PNW mushroom-celebrity Maggie Rogers calls them “owl-eyes.”