Introduction
Distinctive and striking are two words that come to mind when viewing the mushroom Turbinellus floccosus. Pretty impressive considering this is only one of an estimated 5,000 fungi species growing in the States of the Pacific Northwest (Trudell & Ammirati 2009). This mycorrhizal fungi is common in this region. Text and embedded images in this post: a) assist in mushroom identification b) are aesthetically pleasing and c) are meant to be catalysts for persons to find and enjoy wild mushrooms.
Physical Measures
Mushroom vase- or trumpet-shaped at maturity. Reaches up to 12 inches in height. The cylindrical cap becomes vase-shaped or funnelform with age, up to a 6 inch width. Stipe or stem measures up to 4.5 inches tall with a thickness of .5 inch -2 inch thick; stout is a good descriptor.
Form
The cap and stem are not distinctly separate. The stem surface is tightly packed with wrinkles or folds vertically. Ochre colored spores are produced here (Arora 1986). The cap surface features spaced concentric rings of scales (become curved upward with age) beginning at the cap edge continuing downward into the hollow center; common name i.e. “scaly vase chanterelle” great descriptor. Scales become larger with descent into the hollow center.
Colors
There is variability in this regard. Young specimens are typically the brightest red-orange color on the cap surface. Densest, brightest orange color is in the hollow cap center. Towards the edges of the cap color segues to yellowish-orange. Cap color becomes more tan with subtle hints of orange in age. The stipe ranges from whitish to cream in tone; doesn’t change with age.
Habitat/Growth Pattern
Found in coniferous or mixed forests across eastern Asia and North America. Forms symbiotic (ectomycorrhizal) relationships with various conifers, including fir, pine, Douglas fir, and western hemlock. Grows on soil (usually with abundant duff or moss in place) in montane or subalpine elevations. Scaly vase chanterelle can be found scattered, in lines or clustered in growth. Fruiting bodies emerge August through November (western Montana).
Images
The twenty-one photos are filtered by the following variables: cap, color, growth form, habitat, scales and stipe. This ensures quick access to specific plant parts. Click on one variable and those photos best illustrating that field mark show. Passing your cursor over individual photos will reveal a descriptive caption. Clicking on a photo will open and launch a larger lightbox window.
References
Arora, D. (1991). All That the Rain Promises and More: A Hip Pocket Guide to Western Mushrooms. Clarkson Potter/Ten Speed.
Arora, D. (1986). Mushrooms demystified. Clarkson Potter/Ten Speed.
Burke Herbarium Image Collection – Gomphus floccosus retrieved 10/5/2024 (https://burkeherbarium.org/imagecollection/taxon.php?Taxon=Gomphus%20floccosus)
Cripps, C., Evenson, V., & Kuo, M. (2016). The Essential Guide to Rocky Mountain Mushrooms by Habitat. University of Illinois Press.
Davis, R. M., Sommer, R., & Menge, J. A. (2012). Field Guide to Mushrooms of Western North America. University of California Press.
Desjardin, D. E., Wood, M. G., & Stevens, F. A. (2015). California Mushrooms: The Comprehensive Identification Guide. Timber Press.
Evenson, V. S., & Denver Botanic Gardens. (2015). Mushrooms of the Rocky Mountain Region. Timber Press.
Marrone, T., & Parker, D. (2019). Mushrooms of the Northwest: A Simple Guide to Common Mushrooms. Adventure Publications.
McKnight, K. H., & McKnight, V. B. (1987). A Field Guide to Mushrooms of North America. National Audubon Society and National Wildlife Federation.
Meuninck, J. (2019). Foraging Mushrooms Washington. Globe Pequot Press.
MushroomExpert.com – Turbinellus floccosus retrieved 10/5/2024 (https://www.mushroomexpert.com/turbinellus_floccosus.html)
MykoWeb – California Fungi (Turbinellus floccosus) retrieved 10/5/2024 (https://www.mykoweb.com/CAF/species/Turbinellus_floccosus.html)
National Audubon Society. (2023). National Audubon Society Mushrooms of North America. Knopf Doubleday Publishing Group.
Trudell, S., & Ammirati, J. (2009). Mushrooms of the Pacific Northwest. Timber Press.
Wikipedia – Turbinellus floccosus retrieved 10/5/2024 (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Turbinellus_floccosus)
