The mycorrhizas of P. contorta and known fungal symbionts were examined with scanning electron microscopy. Fungal symbionts included Cenococcum geophilum, Thelephora terrestris, Pisolithus tinctorius, Rhizopogon vinicolor and mycorrhizas formed with unknown symbionts. The technique resulted in minimal shrinkage of plant tissue and clearly elucidated the morphology of fine roots. The roots of P. contorta possess few root hairs, apparently relying on mycorrhizal associations for nutrient uptake. Fungal mantles varied with symbionts from smooth, with no hyphae emanating from the mantle, to mantles with long hyphae growing into the rhizosphere.