Lirula abietis-concoloris

Commonly referred to as fir needle cast.

Description:   The fruiting bodies appear as an obvious black line on the underside of the needles.  Small trees incur the greatest damage.   This includes needle loss which occurs between 1 to 4 years after initial infection.

Identification: The long black fruiting bodies are distinct to this fungus.

Hosts:  “Pacific silver fir, white fir, grand fir, noble fir, and subalpine fir” (Goheen and Willhite).

Distribution:  Throughout western Washington (and beyond).