How to identify Crown-tipped Coral

To correctly identify Crown-tipped Coral (Artomyces pyxidatus), check each of these features in order. Misidentification is the most common cause of mushroom poisoning, so cross-reference multiple sources.

Step-by-step identification

1. 1

   Cap

   Shape, color, surface texture, and diameter.

   Not applicable, as this is a coral fungus and does not have a distinct cap.

2. 2

   Gills

   Attachment to stem, color, and spacing.

   Not applicable, as this is a coral fungus and does not have gills.

3. 3

   Stem

   Length, shape, surface, and any ring.

   A short, stout, and often indistinct stem or base supports the branched structure. It is typically whitish and can be somewhat hairy or fuzzy at the very base where it attaches to the wood.

4. 4

   Flesh

   Color, texture, and bruising reaction.

   The flesh is white, firm but somewhat brittle when fresh, becoming tougher with age. It does not change color when bruised.

5. 5

   Fruiting body

   Overall growth pattern.

   The fruiting body is highly branched, resembling a coral, growing up to 15 cm tall and 10 cm wide. It is typically white to cream-colored, sometimes with yellowish or brownish tints, especially with age or bruising. The most distinguishing feature is the 'crown-tipped' appearance of the branch apices, where each branch terminates in 3-5 small, pointed projections.

6. 6

   Habitat

   Where it grows and on what substrate.

   Saprobic, growing on dead and decaying wood, primarily hardwoods (e.g., oak, maple, birch, beech), but occasionally found on conifers. It typically grows on fallen logs, stumps, or buried wood.

Key Facts

Cap surfaces

Not applicable (coral fungus)

Growth Form

Branched, coral-like, arising from a common base.

Spore Print

White to cream.

Body color

White to cream, sometimes yellowish or brownish with age.

Odor

Mild, pleasant.

Flesh bruises

Does not bruise or change color.

Height

Up to 15 cm (6 inches)

Cap Diameter

Not applicable (coral fungus)

Fruit body characteristics

• Gill attachment: Not applicable (coral fungus)
• Stem shape: Indistinct, short, stout base.
• Stem surface: Smooth to slightly hairy at the base.
• Ring: Absent
• Stem cross-section: Not applicable (coral fungus)

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