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A striking, fleshy, coral-like fungus characterized by its densely branched structure resembling a head of cauliflower, usually featuring pink-tipped branches.
How to Identify
- Cap
- N/A - the fruit body is entirely branch-structured.
- Gills
- None; this is a non-gilled fungus.
- Stem
- Thick, fleshy, whitish base that branches repeatedly into smaller twigs.
- Flesh
- Firm, white, and brittle; it does not change color when bruised.
- Fruiting body
- Massive, branched, cauliflower-like base with densely packed, upward-curving branches.
- Habitat
- Ectomycorrhizal with hardwoods, specifically beech and oak; found on the ground in deciduous forests.
Key Facts
- Cap surfaces: Branch surfaces are smooth, becoming slightly wrinkled with age.
- Growth Form: Cespitose (clumped) and highly branched.
- Spore Print: Yellowish-ochre to creamy yellow.
- Body color: Whitish to cream base with pink or reddish tips.
- Odor: Mildly fragrant.
- Flesh bruises: No significant bruising.
- Height: 8 to 15 cm.
- Cap Diameter: 10 to 20 cm wide (branching spread).
- Nutrient gathering: Ectomycorrhizal.
Safe
SafeGenerally considered an edible choice, though some individuals may experience gastrointestinal distress. Always cook thoroughly. Never consume raw.
Quick Check
- Odor: Pleasant, mild, mushroomy scent.
- Fruiting: Ground-dwelling (terrestrial).
- Substrate: Ectomycorrhizal soil associations.
Where to Find
North America
Commonly found in the eastern and northwestern regions during summer and autumn.
Europe
Widespread in deciduous temperate forests.
Finding Tips
Seasonality
Typically fruits from mid-summer through late autumn.
Substrate Awareness
Always check for the mycorrhizal host; usually found in well-drained, nutrient-rich woodland soil under oak or beech trees.
Similar Species
Yellow-tipped Coral
Ramaria
Also known as: Ramaria formosa
Clavulina cristata
Clavulina
Also known as: Crested Coral
Scientific Classification
- Phylum
- Basidiomycota
- Class
- Agaricomycetes
- Order
- Gomphales
- Family
- Gomphaceae
- Genus
- Ramaria
Storage Information
- Max Temperature: 4 degrees Celsius
- Freezing duration: Not recommended to freeze fresh due to high water content; better if blanched first.
- Min Temperature: 1 degree Celsius
- Refrigeration: 3 to 5 days in a paper bag.
How to Clean
Use a soft brush to remove soil from the base and crevices. Because the structure is highly branched and fragile, avoid soaking in water as it can trap grit. Trim the woody, soil-laden base before cooking.
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