How to identify Scarlet Cushion

To correctly identify Scarlet Cushion (Nectria cinnabarina), 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.

   N/A (cushion-shaped sporodochia)

2. 2

   Gills

   Attachment to stem, color, and spacing.

   Absent (Ascomycete)

3. 3

   Stem

   Length, shape, surface, and any ring.

   Absent (sessile)

4. 4

   Flesh

   Color, texture, and bruising reaction.

   Reddish to orange, minimal flesh

5. 5

   Fruiting body

   Overall growth pattern.

   Small, cushion-shaped, bright red to orange-red sporodochia.

6. 6

   Habitat

   Where it grows and on what substrate.

   Dead or dying deciduous branches.

Key Facts

Cap surfaces

Smooth, cushion-shaped

Growth Form

Clustered, cushion-shaped

Spore Print

Hyaline (not typically observed)

Body color

Red to orange-red

Odor

Indistinct

Flesh bruises

Not applicable

Height

Less than 1 mm

Cap Diameter

1-5 mm

Fruit body characteristics

• Gill attachment: N/A (Ascomycete, no gills)
• Stem shape: N/A (sessile)
• Stem surface: N/A (sessile)
• Ring: Absent
• Stem cross-section: N/A (sessile)

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