Laura Smith
Bright orange mushrooms are a visually striking part of the natural world, and they can be found in a variety of locations, from forests to urban areas. While some orange mushrooms are edible, such as the cinnabar chanterelle, orange peel fungus, and chicken of the woods, others are toxic, like the jack-o'-lantern mushroom. The jack-o'-lantern mushroom is particularly dangerous due to its resemblance to the edible chanterelle mushroom. When foraging for mushrooms, it is crucial to be able to identify poisonous varieties and always err on the side of caution when unsure.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Common names | Jack-o-lantern, Chicken of the woods, Cinnabar chanterelle, Orange peel fungus, Orange bonnet |
| Scientific names | Omphalotus illudens, Laetiporus sulphureus, Cantharellus cinnabarinus, Aleuria aurantia, Mycena acicula |
| Colour | Bright orange, orange-yellow, scarlet orange, gold |
| Shape | Convex caps, funnel shape, no gills, smooth outer surface, dense caps, stemless |
| Habitat | Forests, trails, road embankments, wooded landscaped areas, hardwood forests, damp deciduous broadleaf woodlands |
| Season | Summer, fall |
| Edibility | Poisonous, edible, non-toxic but of little culinary value |
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What You'll Learn
Jack-O-Lantern mushrooms are poisonous
Jack-O-Lantern mushrooms, also known as foxfire mushrooms or Omphalotus species, are bright orange poisonous fungi. They are commonly found in forests or natural areas, sometimes even in urban areas. They are usually found in clusters of up to 15-20 mushrooms, at the base of living oaks, stumps, or buried wood of deciduous trees. They are easily identified by their bright orange caps with a central bump, and their gills, which run down the stem and are bioluminescent, emitting a faint greenish glow in the dark. The gills are sharp, bendable, and paper-like, and the mushroom cap can range from 4-12 cm in diameter.
Jack-O-Lantern mushrooms are often mistaken for edible chanterelles due to their similar appearance and growth patterns. However, there are some key differences that can help distinguish the two. Chanterelles have false gills that appear as blunt ridges, while Jack-O-Lanterns have sharp, bendable, paper-like gills. Additionally, the inside of the chanterelle stem is paler than the outer flesh, while the Jack-O-Lantern stem is the same shade of orange throughout.
The toxicity of Jack-O-Lantern mushrooms is made more dangerous by their appealing smell and taste. They cause severe gastrointestinal problems, including stomach aches, headaches, sweating, nausea, exhaustion, vomiting, and a bitter taste in the mouth. These symptoms can last for several days, but they are not usually life-threatening to healthy adults.
It is important to be able to identify Jack-O-Lantern mushrooms correctly to avoid accidental poisoning. While they may look and smell appealing, they can cause severe discomfort and illness. If you are ever unsure about the identity of a mushroom, it is best to err on the side of caution and avoid consuming it.
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Chicken of the Woods is edible
Bright orange mushrooms could be Chicken of the Woods (Laetiporus sulphureus) or the Jack-O-Lantern mushroom (Omphalotus illudens). While the former is edible, the latter is toxic and should be avoided.
Chicken of the Woods is an edible polypore mushroom that is often found on decaying trees and logs. It is mainly found in Europe and North America, although similar species exist in East Asia. They typically grow on hardwood trees like oaks, cherry trees, and conifers. Chicken of the Woods gets its name from its colour and distinct shape, which resemble shelves of chicken meat stuck to the side of a tree. Young mushrooms are typically a radiant orange or yellow, while older ones become a lighter yellow or tan before turning white. They also tend to be fleshier when younger.
Chicken of the Woods is safe to eat and can be a delicious addition to your diet. It can be cooked in a variety of ways, such as sautéing, blanching, baking, or frying. It has a fleshy texture and a chicken-like flavour, making it a great meat substitute. However, it should not be consumed raw as it may cause gastrointestinal issues. Additionally, some people may have an allergic reaction to the mushroom.
Chicken of the Woods also has potential health benefits. Some studies have shown that compounds in the mushroom may have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. It may also help fight tumours due to the presence of polysaccharides, which encourage the immune system to act against them.
It is important to note that while Chicken of the Woods is generally edible, some people may have a digestive sensitivity to it, especially the species that grow on conifers. It is always advisable to cook mushrooms thoroughly and be cautious when trying new varieties.
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Orange Peel Fungus is edible
Bright orange mushrooms can be eye-catching, but they can also be dangerous. One such mushroom is the Jack-O-Lantern mushroom, which is bright orange and resembles the edible Chanterelle mushroom. However, consuming it can cause severe gastrointestinal problems and profuse sweating.
Now, let's focus on the Orange Peel Fungus and explore the topic: "Orange Peel Fungus is edible."
Orange Peel Fungus: An Introduction
The Orange Peel Fungus, scientifically known as Aleuria aurantia, is a vivid orange fungus that often resembles discarded orange peels strewn on the ground, hence its name. This fungus is widespread and can be found in various locations, including lawns, forests, and natural areas. It typically grows on dead wood or soil but not on living trees. With a width ranging from 1 to 10 centimetres, it forms cup-shaped, externally fuzzy, and sometimes misshapen fruiting bodies.
Edibility of Orange Peel Fungus
Orange Peel Fungus is indeed edible. While some foragers describe it as bland or even tasteless, it poses no known toxic threat like some of its bright orange counterparts. This makes it a safer option for those interested in mushroom foraging.
Foraging Tips and Precautions
While Orange Peel Fungus is edible, it's important to exercise caution when foraging. Always properly identify mushrooms before consuming them, as some toxic varieties may resemble edible ones. Additionally, proper identification is crucial to avoid mistaking inedible mushrooms for their edible counterparts. When in doubt, it's best to leave the mushroom untouched.
Furthermore, it's worth noting that Orange Peel Fungi can stain your fingers yellow, and their undersides tend to attract soil, making cleaning a challenge.
In conclusion, while Orange Peel Fungus is edible, it may not be the most palatable option for culinary adventures. Foragers seeking flavourful wild mushrooms might want to explore other varieties that offer a more rewarding taste experience.
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Cinnabar Chanterelle is edible
Bright orange mushrooms can be poisonous, so it is important to correctly identify them before consuming them. One such edible variety is the Cinnabar Chanterelle.
Cinnabar Chanterelles, or red chanterelles, are a beautiful, delicious, and edible variety of mushroom. They are closely related to the more well-known golden chanterelle mushrooms, with a fruity aroma and a classic chanterelle flavour—piney, fruity, and floral. They are smaller than regular chanterelles and range in colour from flamingo pink to a deep autumnal orange.
Cinnabar Chanterelles are easy to identify. They are never more than 2" wide at the cap, whereas their toxic look-alikes, the Jack-O-Lantern mushrooms, are never less than 2" wide. Cinnabar Chanterelles are widely distributed in hardwood forests in Eastern North America, often found growing near golden chanterelles, with red oak and burr oak trees. They also grow with beech, shagbark hickory, and big-toothed aspen in some places.
Cinnabar Chanterelles can be cooked just like any other chanterelle, but they may cook quicker because of their smaller size. They are delicious sautéed in butter and frozen for long-term preservation.
It is important to note that there are many similar-looking brown mushrooms, and many of them may be poisonous. Colour is one of the most important characteristics when identifying chanterelle mushrooms. If you struggle with colour blindness, it is essential to seek help from someone who can aid in foraging these mushrooms safely.
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Orange Bonnet mushrooms are found in woodlands
Orange Bonnet mushrooms, scientifically known as Mycena acicula, are small, bright orange bonnet fungi commonly found in damp, deciduous broadleaf woodlands. They are often found in areas of deep shade, attached to small dead twigs buried beneath the top layer of leaf litter. These mushrooms typically grow in woodlands in Britain, Ireland, mainland Europe, and North America.
Mycena acicula was first described by German mycologist Jacob Christian Schaeffer in 1762, who gave it the scientific name Agaricus acicula. In 1871, the species was transferred to its present genus by Paul Kummer, resulting in its current scientific name, Mycena acicula.
Orange Bonnet mushrooms are not the only bright orange mushrooms found in woodlands. Cinnabar chanterelle, orange peel fungus, chicken of the woods, and jack-o'-lantern mushrooms are also known for their bright orange hues. However, only the chicken of the woods, scientifically known as Laetiporus sulphureus, and cinnabar chanterelle, Cantharellus cinnabarinus, are considered edible.
The jack-o'-lantern mushroom, scientifically known as Omphalotus illudens, is a highly toxic mushroom that can cause severe gastrointestinal problems and profuse sweating. It is commonly found in forests near trees or stumps and can be identified by its bright orange cap with a central bump and bioluminescent gills.
When foraging for mushrooms, it is essential to properly identify the species and be aware of any poisonous look-alikes in the region. If unsure about the identity of a mushroom, it is best to avoid consuming it, as many wild mushrooms can be dangerously poisonous.
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Frequently asked questions
Some bright orange mushrooms include the jack-o-lantern mushroom, the cinnabar chanterelle, the orange peel fungus, chicken of the woods, and the orange bonnet mushroom.
Bright orange mushrooms can be found in forests, along trails, and on road embankments and disturbed areas. They are often associated with deciduous trees and can be found at the base of living oaks or from stumps or buried wood.
Not all bright orange mushrooms are poisonous. While some sources say that the jack-o-lantern mushroom is poisonous, the orange peel fungus is not toxic and is sometimes eaten, although it is of little culinary value. The cinnabar chanterelle and chicken of the woods are also considered edible.
Bright orange mushrooms can vary in shape and size. Some have a distinct bump in the center of their caps, while others have gills or pores on the underside. The orange bonnet mushroom, for example, is often found attached to small dead twigs beneath leaf litter.
Bright orange mushrooms can be found in various seasons, but some species are more common in the fall. For example, the jack-o-lantern mushroom often appears in the fall, usually before Halloween.
