How to identify Burgundy Cup

To correctly identify Burgundy Cup (Sarcoscypha austriaca), 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.

   Inner surface is bright scarlet red, smooth, and concave. Outer surface is paler, finely hairy, and may be slightly wrinkled or bumpy.

2. 2

   Gills

   Attachment to stem, color, and spacing.

   Absent. Sarcoscypha species are Ascomycetes, so they don't have gills; instead, they have a fertile inner surface (hymenium).

3. 3

   Stem

   Length, shape, surface, and any ring.

   Short, stout, and often buried in the substrate; whitish to pale pink; can be almost absent in some specimens.

4. 4

   Flesh

   Color, texture, and bruising reaction.

   Thin, brittle, and pale pinkish-red.

5. 5

   Fruiting body

   Overall growth pattern.

   Cup-shaped or saucer-shaped, typically 2-5 cm in diameter.

6. 6

   Habitat

   Where it grows and on what substrate.

   Found on decaying twigs and branches of deciduous trees, particularly hazel, willow, and elm, often partially buried in leaf litter. Prefers damp woodland habitats.

Key Facts

Cap surfaces

Smooth inner surface, hairy outer surface

Growth Form

Cup-shaped

Spore Print

White

Body color

Bright scarlet red (inner surface), paler pinkish-red (outer surface)

Odor

Faint, earthy

Flesh bruises

Does not typically bruise

Height

1-3 cm

Cap Diameter

2-5 cm

Fruit body characteristics

• Gill attachment: Absent
• Stem shape: Cylindrical, short
• Stem surface: Finely hairy
• Ring: Absent
• Stem cross-section: Solid

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