This “old man” is often mistaken for a pine cone.

You may have found, while foraging, a unique mushroom resembling a pine cone. This is often referred to as the “old man”.
Why, you may ask? Well because it resembles an old man in the woods.
But its original, scientific name, Strobilomyces floccopus, roughly translates to “woolly mushroom that looks like a pine cone.” (what a name right?)
This should assure you that this fungus is unique in its look: its colors are black and white and gray; it looks woolly and scaly; and its overall look is shaggy. Hence it is said to look like an old man living in the woods, with a wrinkly face and gray shaggy beard.
When cut open, its flesh is white but will turn pinkish red, and then slowly blacken within about 60 minutes.

​Where Can You Find Them?

From July-October they fruit in eastern United States (and can also be found in Europe). They’re commonly found around low lying areas, near oak trees and under conifers, and they blend with dead leaves, making them difficult to spot.
How Do You Identify this Type of Mushroom?

They are edible
Cap: 1-6 inches.
Under the cap are spores that resemble tufts of hair.
Stem has a layer that almost looks like fur.
The inside of the mushroom is white, but quickly turns pink when exposed to air, and within and hour turns black.
Preparation

*verify species prior to eating*
Best sauteed or in soups.
Known to have a mellow and earthy taste.
As with most mushrooms, theyre low calorie, high fiber, and generally quite healthy.

​