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Craterellus cornucopioides, commonly known as the Black Trumpet, Horn of Plenty, or Black Chanterelle, is a distinctive and sought-after edible mushroom. It is characterized by its dark color, trumpet-like shape, and rich, earthy flavor. This mushroom is often found in deciduous forests and is prized by chefs and foragers alike.
How to Identify
- Cap
- The cap is funnel-shaped, often deeply depressed, and merges seamlessly with the stem. The color ranges from dark gray to black, and the surface is generally smooth to slightly wrinkled.
- Gills
- This mushroom lacks true gills. Instead, it has a smooth to slightly wrinkled undersurface that runs down the stem. The surface is typically the same color as the cap.
- Stem
- The stem is hollow and continuous with the cap, forming the trumpet shape. It is typically the same color as the cap and may be slightly ribbed or ridged.
- Flesh
- The flesh is thin and brittle, with a dark gray to black color. It has a mild, pleasant aroma when fresh.
- Fruiting body
- The fruiting body of Craterellus cornucopioides is typically trumpet-shaped, ranging from 3 to 15 cm in height. It is thin-fleshed and often has wavy or lobed edges.
- Habitat
- Craterellus cornucopioides is commonly found in deciduous forests, particularly under oak and beech trees. It often grows in clusters and can be found from late summer to late fall.
Key Facts
- Cap surfaces: Smooth to slightly wrinkled
- Growth Form: Trumpet-shaped
- Spore Print: White to pale yellow
- Body color: Dark gray to black
- Odor: Mild, pleasant
- Flesh bruises: Does not typically bruise
- Height: 3-15 cm
- Cap Diameter: 2-8 cm
- Nutrient gathering: Mycorrhizal
Safe
SafeCraterellus cornucopioides is not toxic and is considered an excellent edible mushroom.
Quick Check
- Odor: Fruity
- Fruiting: Late Summer to Late Fall
- Substrate: Deciduous leaf litter
Where to Find
Deciduous Forests
Look for Black Trumpets in deciduous forests, especially under oak and beech trees. They often grow in mossy areas or among leaf litter.
Europe
Black Trumpets are commonly found in Europe, particularly in regions with deciduous forests.
North America
They can also be found in North America, especially in the eastern United States and Canada.
Finding Tips
Search in Mossy Areas
Black Trumpets often grow in mossy areas or among leaf litter, so be sure to check these spots.
Look Under Specific Trees
Focus your search under oak and beech trees, as these are common habitats for Black Trumpets.
Check After Rain
Mushrooms, including Black Trumpets, often appear after periods of rain, so plan your foraging trips accordingly.
Similar Species
Devil's Urn
poisonous mushroom
Also known as: Black False Trumpet
Scientific Classification
- Phylum
- Basidiomycota
- Class
- Agaricomycetes
- Order
- Cantharellales
- Family
- Cantharellaceae
- Genus
- Craterellus
Storage Information
- Max Temperature: 20
- Freezing duration: 3 months
- Min Temperature: 2
- Refrigeration: 1 week
How to Clean
To clean Black Trumpets, gently brush off any dirt or debris with a soft brush. Avoid washing them unless necessary, as they can become waterlogged. If washing is needed, do so quickly and pat them dry.
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