How to identify Scarlet Elfcup

To correctly identify Scarlet Elfcup (Sarcoscypha coccinea), 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 a true cap in the sense of a gilled mushroom. The 'cap' refers to the apothecium, which is cup-shaped, 1-5 cm (0.4-2 inches) in diameter, and 1-3 cm (0.4-1.2 inches) deep. The color is brilliant scarlet to crimson on the inner surface, and whitish to pale pinkish on the outer surface.

2. 2

   Gills

   Attachment to stem, color, and spacing.

   Not applicable, as Sarcoscypha coccinea is an ascomycete and does not produce gills. Spores are produced on the inner surface of the cup.

3. 3

   Stem

   Length, shape, surface, and any ring.

   A short, rudimentary stem (stipe) is often present, typically 0.5-3 cm (0.2-1.2 inches) long and 0.2-0.8 cm (0.08-0.3 inches) thick. It is usually paler than the cup, whitish to pinkish, and often buried in the substrate or leaf litter. It can be eccentric or central.

4. 4

   Flesh

   Color, texture, and bruising reaction.

   Thin, brittle, and reddish.

5. 5

   Fruiting body

   Overall growth pattern.

   The fruiting body (apothecium) is cup-shaped, becoming more saucer-shaped or flattened with age. The inner surface (hymenium) is bright scarlet to crimson red, smooth. The outer surface is paler, whitish to pinkish, and finely felted or downy. The margin is often slightly inrolled when young, becoming erect or wavy.

6. 6

   Habitat

   Where it grows and on what substrate.

   Saprobic, growing on decaying hardwood branches and twigs, particularly those of willow (Salix), hazel (Corylus), alder (Alnus), and beech (Fagus). It prefers damp, shaded locations, often partially buried in moss or leaf litter.

Key Facts

Cap surfaces

Inner surface smooth, bright scarlet; outer surface whitish to pinkish, finely felted.

Growth Form

Solitary to gregarious, often in clusters.

Spore Print

White

Body color

Bright scarlet red (inner surface), whitish to pinkish (outer surface)

Odor

Indistinct

Flesh bruises

Does not bruise significantly

Height

1-5 cm (0.4-2 inches) for the cup, stem up to 3 cm (1.2 inches)

Cap Diameter

1-5 cm (0.4-2 inches)

Fruit body characteristics

• Gill attachment: Not applicable (ascomycete)
• Stem shape: Cylindrical or tapering towards the base, often rudimentary
• Stem surface: Finely felted or downy, paler than the cup
• Ring: Absent
• Stem cross-section: Solid

Explore Scarlet Elfcup