Distribution: Broad
Habitat: Widespread species found in a variety of habitats including pine forests and alpine areas with dwarf birch
Conservation Status: Not of concern
the cap is red-brown to yellow-brown and striate on the margin when fresh; it then fades dramatically in streaky fashion. The margin of the cap is covered with white veil fibrils when young, and the stipe frequently is thinly coated by the veil or bears a few patches. The stipe is hollow, pale yellowish brown to pale orange brown beneath the veil, and pinched off and frequently curved at the base. The flesh is orange-brown to yellow-brown, and fresh specimens have a faint odor of iodine. The gills are close to crowded, yellowish brown to brown with pale edges. The spores are distinctly and coarsely ornamented. C. obtusus can fruit extensively in groups and troops in both spring and fall. The closest look-alike is C. acutus, which is smaller and has a more sharply pointed umbo.
PNW Herbaria: Specimen records of Cortinarius obtusus in the Consortium of Pacific Northwest Herbaria database.
CalPhotos: Cortinarius obtusus photos.