How to identify Spruce Coral

To correctly identify Spruce Coral (Ramaria stricta), 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.

   Not applicable, as Ramaria stricta is a coral fungus and does not possess a cap.

2. 2

   Gills

   Attachment to stem, color, and spacing.

   Not applicable, as Ramaria stricta is a coral fungus and does not possess gills.

3. 3

   Stem

   Length, shape, surface, and any ring.

   The stem (or base) is stout, whitish to yellowish, and often fused with other fruiting bodies at the base, forming a common, thick stipe-like structure. It is typically 1-3 cm thick and deeply embedded in the substrate.

4. 4

   Flesh

   Color, texture, and bruising reaction.

   The flesh is whitish, tough, and fibrous, especially in the stem. It does not change color significantly when cut or bruised, though the surface of the branches may darken.

5. 5

   Fruiting body

   Overall growth pattern.

   The fruiting body is coral-like, erect, and densely branched, typically 5-15 cm tall and 3-10 cm wide. The branches are usually parallel, ascending, and somewhat brittle when fresh, becoming tougher with age. Color ranges from yellowish-buff to ochre, often with pinkish or purplish tints, especially towards the tips when young. The tips often darken to brownish or purplish-brown with age or bruising.

6. 6

   Habitat

   Where it grows and on what substrate.

   Saprobic, growing on decaying wood, particularly conifer logs and stumps, but occasionally on hardwoods. It can be found solitary or in clusters.

Key Facts

Cap surfaces

Not applicable (coral fungus)

Growth Form

Branched, coral-like, upright

Spore Print

Ochre-yellow to brownish-yellow

Body color

Yellowish-buff to ochre, often with pinkish or purplish tints, tips darkening to brownish-purple with age/bruising.

Odor

Mild, earthy, or slightly radish-like.

Flesh bruises

Does not bruise significantly, but branch tips may darken.

Height

5-15 cm

Cap Diameter

Not applicable (coral fungus)

Fruit body characteristics

• Gill attachment: Not applicable (coral fungus)
• Stem shape: Stout, cylindrical to irregular at base, often fused with others.
• Stem surface: Smooth to slightly fibrous.
• Ring: Absent
• Stem cross-section: Solid

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