How to identify Pacific Golden Chanterelle

To correctly identify Pacific Golden Chanterelle (Cantharellus formosus), 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.

   The cap is 2-12 cm (0.8-4.7 inches) in diameter, convex when young, becoming flat, depressed, or deeply funnel-shaped with age. The margin is often wavy and irregular. The surface is smooth to finely scaly, dry, and typically golden-yellow to orange-yellow, sometimes fading in direct sunlight.

2. 2

   Gills

   Attachment to stem, color, and spacing.

   Instead of true gills, Cantharellus formosus has blunt, vein-like, often forked ridges (false gills) that are decurrent (running down the stem). These ridges are the same color as or slightly paler than the cap, and they are not easily separated from the cap flesh.

3. 3

   Stem

   Length, shape, surface, and any ring.

   The stem is 3-10 cm (1.2-3.9 inches) long and 0.5-2.5 cm (0.2-1 inch) thick, tapering downwards or sometimes equal in width. It is solid, smooth, and typically the same color as the cap, though sometimes paler near the base. It is continuous with the cap.

4. 4

   Flesh

   Color, texture, and bruising reaction.

   The flesh is firm, thick, and whitish to pale yellow, often bruising slightly reddish-orange when cut or damaged. It has a distinctive fruity aroma, often compared to apricots, and a mild, slightly peppery taste when raw.

5. 5

   Fruiting body

   Overall growth pattern.

   The fruiting body is typically golden-yellow to orange-yellow, funnel-shaped, and fleshy. It lacks true gills, instead having blunt, fold-like ridges.

6. 6

   Habitat

   Where it grows and on what substrate.

   Mycorrhizal with conifers, primarily Douglas-fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii), but also found with Western Hemlock (Tsuga heterophylla) and other conifers. It grows terrestrially, often scattered or in groups, in mossy or needle-covered forest floors.

Key Facts

Cap surfaces

Smooth to finely scaly, dry

Growth Form

Scattered or in groups

Spore Print

White to pale yellow

Body color

Golden-yellow to orange-yellow

Odor

Fruity, apricot-like

Flesh bruises

Slightly reddish-orange when damaged

Height

3-10 cm (1.2-3.9 inches)

Cap Diameter

2-12 cm (0.8-4.7 inches)

Fruit body characteristics

• Gill attachment: Decurrent (false gills)
• Stem shape: Tapering downwards or equal
• Stem surface: Smooth
• Ring: Absent
• Stem cross-section: Solid

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