[rossb]

I went hiking the other day on Townsend Mountain (the one in the Olympics) and ran across this mushroom:

Aleuria aurantia or Orange Cup Fungus

I assume it is a mushroom, but perhaps it is a different type of fungus. I've been trying to figure out what it is. One idea is a pixie cup (Geopyxis carbonaria) which is mentioned on this site: http://botit.botany.wisc.edu/toms_fungi/jun2005.html. The other choice is an orange cup (Aleuria aurantia) found on this site: http://www.mykoweb.com/CAF/species/Aleuria_aurantia.html. The first one doesn't seem quite right, since there was no burnt wood or disturbed ground (it was simply in the shade). The second doesn't seem right because the description suggests that it comes out in the fall (and this was the spring). The picture I reference is a close-up; the mushrooms were about 1/2 inch to 3/4 of an inch wide. The area is a bit drier than most of the Olympics, as you can see a few pine trees. Any ideas or help appreciated. Thanks, Ross

[mossy mom]

Orange peel fungus, edible but tasteless. Be careful though there are a lot of fungus that look like this.

[yukon222]

Any ideas on what this might be? Ran across it up by Copper Lake last fall. It was about 15" in diameter, just alongside the trail. Didn't notice it somehow on the way up but couldn't miss it on the hike back down.

fungus

[rossb]

Don't worry, I'm not that hungry So, that makes it my second choice (Aleuria aurantia) and I guess some of these grow in the spring. Thanks!

[Allison]

[mossy mom]

I don't think that's a cauliflower, I think that's a Hericium a choice edible! http://botit.botany.wisc.edu/toms_fungi/jan2003.html I really like cauliflower mushrooms in soup they stay nice and crispy.

[ADrewzki]

[Magellan]

I have never seen these before this year. I have now seen them on three consecutive trips!

[Meander]

I just thought this was the cutest mushroom/toadstool.

I don't know what kind it is though, not surprisingly. Does anyone know?

[mossy mom]

very hard to tell from the picture but it looks a bit like a King Bolete.

[More Cowbell]

I was thinking bolete too. Was is spongy (bolete trademark) or gilled underneath?

[Foist]

I was all ready to inaugurate a "Name That Fungus" thread, but I see there already is one... So here it is, name it. I don't know the answer.

Interesting Fungus

[Meander]

I dunno Foist, but thank you Pest, and MC, now I know to look at the bottom and see if there are gills or sponginess to help me identify.

[dusty boots]

[More Cowbell]

It's a coral mushroom of some sort.