Rhizopogon salebrosus is a mushroom species within the Rhizopogon subgenus Amylopogon. R. salebrosus is a monotropoid mycorrhiza that is of vital importance to the ecology of conifer forests, especially in the Pacific Northwest region of North America. Although it is native to North America, R. salebrosus has been found in Europe and its range is generally limited to mountainous regions with sufficient precipitation. The mycoheterotrophic plant, Pterospora andromedea is often found in an obligate association with R. salebrosus in western parts of the U.S. Eastern populations of P. andromedea are typically symbiotic with another Rhizopogon sub species, R. kretzerae.

Species that form these mycoheterotrophic relationships like P. andromedea and R. salebrosus benefit one other by sharing essential nutrients. For example, ectomycorrhizal plants contribute up to 30% of their fixed carbon in exchange for nitrogen that their host fungi absorb from the soil. These unique mycoheterotrophic associations are thought to have evolved due to low light availability on the forest floor.

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