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Omphalotus olearius, commonly known as the Jack O'Lantern mushroom, is a poisonous orange gilled mushroom that is often confused with edible chanterelles. It grows in woods, mainly on decaying stumps, at the base of trees, or on buried wood. The mushroom is notable for its bioluminescent properties.
How to Identify
- Cap
- The cap is convex to flattened, often with a central depression. The color is orange to brownish orange. The surface is smooth and dry.
- Gills
- The gills are decurrent (running down the stem), close together, and orange in color. They are bioluminescent when fresh.
- Stem
- The stem is 5–15 cm (2.0–5.9 in) long and 1–3 cm (0.4–1.2 in) thick. It is the same color as the cap or paler. The stem is often curved.
- Flesh
- The flesh is thick and white to pale orange. It may stain brownish when cut.
- Fruiting body
- The fruiting body of Omphalotus olearius is typically 4–20 cm (1.6–7.9 in) in diameter. It is convex to flattened, often with a central depression. The color is orange to brownish orange.
- Habitat
- Omphalotus olearius grows in woods, mainly on decaying stumps, at the base of trees, or on buried wood. It is found in Europe and North America.
Key Facts
- Cap surfaces: Smooth
- Growth Form: Clustered
- Spore Print: White to pale yellow
- Body color: Orange to brownish orange
- Odor: Not distinctive
- Flesh bruises: May stain brownish
- Height: 5–15 cm (2.0–5.9 in)
- Cap Diameter: 4–20 cm (1.6–7.9 in)
- Nutrient gathering: Saprobic
Toxic
Severe ToxicityOmphalotus olearius is poisonous and causes gastrointestinal upset if eaten.
Quick Check
- Odor: Not distinctive
- Fruiting: Late summer to fall
- Substrate: Decaying wood
Where to Find
Europe
Grows in woods, mainly on decaying stumps, at the base of trees, or on buried wood.
North America
Grows in woods, mainly on decaying stumps, at the base of trees, or on buried wood.
Finding Tips
Look for orange gilled mushrooms
Omphalotus olearius is an orange gilled mushroom that grows in woods, mainly on decaying stumps, at the base of trees, or on buried wood.
Check for bioluminescence
The gills of Omphalotus olearius are bioluminescent when fresh.
Similar Species
Chanterelle
edible mushroom
Also known as: Girolle
Scientific Classification
- Phylum
- Basidiomycota
- Class
- Agaricomycetes
- Order
- Agaricales
- Family
- Marasmiaceae
- Genus
- Omphalotus
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