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The Cinnabar Chanterelle (Cantharellus cinnabarinus) is a small, brightly colored mushroom. It is edible, though not as flavorful as other chanterelles. It is characterized by its vibrant reddish-orange color throughout the cap, stem, and false gills. The cap is typically small, ranging from 1 to 4 cm in diameter, and has a vase-like shape. The false gills are blunt and decurrent, running down the stem. The stem is slender and the same color as the cap. It is found in deciduous woods, often associated with oak trees.
How to Identify
- Cap
- Small (1-4 cm), vase-like shape, reddish-orange color
- Gills
- False gills, blunt, decurrent, reddish-orange color
- Stem
- Slender, same color as the cap
- Flesh
- Pale orange to pinkish, thin
- Fruiting body
- Small, brightly colored, vase-shaped mushroom
- Habitat
- Deciduous woods, especially with oak trees
Key Facts
- Cap surfaces: Smooth
- Growth Form: Solitary or in small groups
- Spore Print: Pale yellow to orange
- Body color: Reddish-orange
- Odor: Faintly fruity
- Flesh bruises: No significant bruising
- Height: 2-5 cm
- Cap Diameter: 1-4 cm
- Nutrient gathering: Mycorrhizal
Safe
SafeWhile Cantharellus cinnabarinus is considered edible, it is important to properly identify it to avoid confusion with toxic look-alikes. Some individuals may experience gastrointestinal upset even with edible mushrooms. Always cook mushrooms thoroughly before consumption.
Quick Check
- Odor: Faintly fruity
- Fruiting: Summer to Fall
- Substrate: Deciduous leaf litter, often near oak
Where to Find
Habitat
Deciduous woods, particularly oak forests
Region
Eastern North America
Finding Tips
Timing
Look for them after rain during the summer and fall months.
Tree Association
Check areas with oak trees, as they form mycorrhizal relationships with these trees.
Ground Cover
They are often found in mossy areas or among leaf litter.
Similar Species
Cantharellus lateritius
mushroom belonging to the Cantharellus genus
Also known as: Golden Chanterelle
Cantharellus minor
mushroom belonging to the Cantharellus genus
Also known as: Small Chanterelle
Scientific Classification
- Phylum
- Basidiomycota
- Class
- Agaricomycetes
- Order
- Cantharellales
- Family
- Cantharellaceae
- Genus
- Cantharellus
Storage Information
- Max Temperature: 2
- Freezing duration: 3 months
- Min Temperature: -18
- Refrigeration: 3-5 days
How to Clean
Gently brush off any dirt or debris. Avoid soaking them in water, as they can become waterlogged. A soft brush or a slightly damp cloth can be used to clean the surface.
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