This 2,400 Year Old Mushroom Is The Largest Living Organism On The Planet

Fungal growth through the root results in reduced uptake of nutrients and water and usually kills the tree while it is standing. Once infected trees die, the fungus continues to live on-site as a saprophyte in large stumps and large roots for at least 35 years. Infection by wind-dispersed spores is believed to be rare. Fungal growth of armillaria on the roots of a conifer / via USDA.gov