Sarah Brown
Goldfish are known for their bright orange coloration, and interestingly, there are also several varieties of mushrooms that exhibit this distinctive hue. These orange mushrooms, with their vibrant caps and stems, stand out in any natural setting, whether tucked away in leaf litter or boldly covering decomposing logs. From soft peach shades to vivid neon hues, these fungi are not only aesthetically pleasing but also play an important ecological role in various ecosystems. While some orange mushrooms are edible and prized for their unique flavors, others are highly poisonous, emphasizing the importance of expert knowledge when foraging for wild mushrooms. In this context, let's explore the fascinating world of goldfish-orange mushrooms, their identification, ecological significance, and the potential risks associated with consuming these colorful fungi.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Common names | Cinnabar chanterelle, chicken of the woods, orange peel fungus, wandering creamsicle, wandering parachute, wandering Marasmius, Jack-O’lantern, orange peel mushroom, goblet waxcap mushroom |
| Scientific names | Chantharellus cinnabarinus, Cantharellus cibarius, Cantharellus coccolobae, Cantharellus corallinus, Aleuria aurantia, Marasmius vagus, Omphalotus olearius, Omphalotus illudens, Hygrocybe Cantharellus |
| Colour | Shades of orange, orange-red, orange-pink, apricot to pale orange, bright orange, deep orange, yellow-orange, red-orange, pale orange with white spots |
| Shape | Clusters, cylindrical stems, rounded or flat caps, gills on the underside, spongy clusters, convex round indented cap, gills running the length of the stem, broadly convex round indented cap |
| Size | Caps: 12-20mm in diameter, stems: 30-60mm long and 3-5mm thick, cap: 1.5-4.7" wide, stem: 1.3-3.5" tall |
| Taste | Apricot-like, nutty, slightly floral, peppery |
| Habitat | Leaf litter, forest floor, decomposing logs, lawns, trails, road embankments, wooded landscaped areas, Northern Australia, Florida |
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What You'll Learn
Cinnabar chanterelle
The Cinnabar chanterelle, also known as the cinnabar-red chanterelle, is a species of mushroom that produces various shades of orange-red and orange-pink. It is a member of the Cantharellaceae family and is closely related to the golden chanterelle, which is native to Europe. However, the Cinnabar chanterelle is native to North America, where it can be found in hardwood forests in Eastern regions of the continent. It is a distinctive mushroom, with colours ranging from flamingo pink to a deep autumnal orange.
The Cinnabar chanterelle is edible and has a unique flavour profile. Many people describe it as having an apricot-like, nutty, and slightly floral flavour with a peppery end note. This makes it an excellent addition to many dishes, where it can be prepared in a number of ways, including sautéing with garlic, butter, and sage. It is also said to have a fruity aroma, reminiscent of apricots.
The Cinnabar chanterelle is smaller than the golden chanterelle, and it is often found growing near its golden cousin. It is widely distributed and can be found growing with a variety of trees, including red oak, burr oak, beech, shagbark hickory, and big-toothed aspen. The season for Cinnabar chanterelles is typically from July through August in the Midwest, and they can sometimes be found growing in patches with golden chanterelles.
Despite being edible and flavoursome, the Cinnabar chanterelle is often neglected in culinary contexts, perhaps due to the popularity of its golden relative. However, it is a delightful mushroom to come across, with its bright shades standing out in any season.
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Orange peel fungus
The orange peel fungus, scientifically known as Aleuria aurantia, is a bright orange cup-shaped fungus that often resembles orange peels strewn on the ground, giving it its common name. It is a saprobic fungus, meaning it consumes and decomposes organic matter, and can be found growing on dead wood or in soil, particularly on bare clay or disturbed soil. This fungus is widespread and can be found growing throughout North America, South Chile, and Europe. In North America, it typically fruits from November to March in the West and May to November in the East.
The orange peel fungus is characterised by its bright orange colour, cup-shaped ascocarps, and externally fuzzy texture. The specific epithet "aurantia" is derived from the Latin word for "orange". The fungus has a wide range of sizes, with its fruiting body ranging from 1 to 10 centimetres (1/2 to 4 inches) in width. The orange peel fungus is often misshapen due to crowding from other fruiting bodies, and its flesh is fragile.
While the orange peel fungus is generally regarded as edible, it is not commonly consumed due to its difficult collection process and lack of culinary value. However, some people do choose to eat it. It is important to distinguish the orange peel fungus from similar-looking mushrooms, such as those from the genus Peziza, which are inedible but not toxic, or the Salmon Salad Fungus (Guepinia helvelloides), which is edible but not particularly appealing in taste.
The orange peel fungus often fruits in disturbed areas, along trails, road embankments, and in wooded landscaped areas. In warm climates, these fungi can continue fruiting throughout the winter as well. They are known to grow in areas where trees have been removed, and they typically appear in the same place year after year, unless prevented by weather conditions or the presence of other plants or fungi.
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Chicken of the woods
When foraging for chicken of the woods, it is important to follow a few key guidelines. Firstly, only pick them if they are found on dead trees or logs, and use a sharp knife to cut them from the tree. They have a unique appearance, with no stem and no "gills" like other mushrooms. Instead, they have smooth caps with wavy edges and a solid cream to yellow underside. The tops are typically orange, sometimes with yellow colouring on the edges, and they vary in vibrancy depending on their age. Younger mushrooms are more tender, while older ones tend to become tough and filled with bugs.
To clean chicken of the woods, avoid soaking them in water as they will absorb the liquid and become soggy. Instead, wipe them with a damp cloth or sponge, and use a soft-bristled brush to remove any remaining dirt. They can be stored in the refrigerator for up to a week or frozen for later use. Chicken of the woods is also known for its nutritional content, including protein, carbohydrates, vitamins, antioxidants, and flavonoids, which offer various medicinal benefits. However, it is important to note that the mushroom contains oxalic acid, so boiling and discarding the water can help reduce potential health risks.
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Jack-O'-Lantern
The Jack-O-Lantern mushroom (Omphalotus olearius) is one of the most common orange mushrooms found in yards and lawns. It is a poisonous mushroom that resembles the chanterelle mushroom, which is edible. Chanterelle mushrooms, such as the golden chanterelle (Cantherellus cibarius) and the cinnabar chanterelle (Chantharellus cinnabarinus), are known for their golden or orange-red shades. However, the Jack-O-Lantern mushroom has deeper orange shades, ranging from bright yellowish-orange to brownish-orange. It has a broadly convex, indented cap that measures 1.5" to 4.7" (4 to 12 cm) wide and a thick, orange stem that is 1.3" to 3.5" (4.3 to 9 cm) tall. The gills run the length of its tapering stem, and the flesh is pale orange.
The Jack-O-Lantern mushroom is relatively large and brightly coloured, making it stand out in the grass, mulch, or near decaying organic matter where it commonly grows. It is often found at the base of tree stumps and roots, contributing to its distinctive appearance. This mushroom is toxic and should not be consumed, serving as a reminder that proper identification is crucial before consuming any wild mushrooms.
While the Jack-O-Lantern mushroom is one of the most well-known orange mushrooms, there are other varieties worth mentioning. The orange peel mushroom (Aleuria aurantia), also known as the "orange peel fungus," is a bright orange cup mushroom. Although it is not commonly eaten, it is not toxic, and some people do consume it. It often appears in disturbed areas such as trails, road embankments, and wooded landscaped areas during the summer and fall.
Another interesting orange mushroom is the wandering creamsicle (Marasmius vagus), native to northern Australia and recently introduced to Florida. It has bright-orange caps and tends to grow in clusters, arcs, and rings in suburban lawns. The caps range in colour from apricot to pale orange, and their intensity can vary depending on the weather conditions, becoming more intense in dry weather and fading in wet weather. The wandering creamsicle is not toxic to humans or animals and is considered harmless to the landscape.
In conclusion, the Jack-O-Lantern mushroom is a notable example of an orange mushroom, but it is important to be aware of other varieties such as the orange peel mushroom and the wandering creamsicle. When encountering any wild mushroom, it is essential to exercise caution and properly identify the species before consumption, as some mushrooms, like the Jack-O-Lantern, can be toxic.
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Wandering creamsicle
The Wandering Creamsicle, or Marasmius vagus, is a species of mushroom native to northern Australia that has been introduced to Florida. It is one of the most common lawn mushrooms in the state, often growing in suburban areas. The small but conspicuous mushrooms have bright orange caps and tend to grow in clusters, arcs, and rings. The caps range in colour from apricot to pale orange, with the shade becoming more intense in dry weather and fading in wet weather. The caps are initially dome-shaped, later becoming flat as the mushroom ages, and are 12 to 20 millimetres in diameter. Underneath the cap are white gills that are unattached or barely attached to the stipe, which is white and 30 to 60 millimetres long. The stipe is attached to the bottom of the cap in the centre and has a cartilaginous texture. A tuft of white mycelium may be present at its base, appearing as fine fuzzy filaments.
The Wandering Creamsicle is not toxic to humans or animals and is not considered harmful to the landscape. It is likely saprotrophic, living on dead or decaying plant matter, but may also be endophytic, living undetected inside the healthy leaves or roots of plants. The species epithet "vagus" comes from the Latin for "wandering", reflecting its expanding range and ability to adapt and thrive in various habitats.
The orange colour of mushrooms like the Wandering Creamsicle often makes them stand out, and they can be found in various habitats, including lawns, forests, and decomposing logs. While some orange mushrooms, like the golden chanterelle, are edible, many are highly poisonous. For example, the Jack-O'Lantern mushroom is a toxic variety that is easily mistaken for a chanterelle due to its similar shape and deep yellow to orange cap. Therefore, it is essential to be able to identify different species of mushrooms accurately, especially if children or pets may come into contact with them.
The cinnabar chanterelle is another example of an edible orange mushroom species. It produces various shades of orange-red and orange-pink, distinguishing it from the more golden chanterelles. It is praised for its apricot-like, nutty, and slightly floral flavour, with a peppery end note. Chanterelles can be prepared in various ways, such as sautéing with garlic, butter, and sage. While the cinnabar chanterelle is not well-studied for its medicinal properties, one study has shown that it contains a notably high concentration of antioxidants.
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Frequently asked questions
Some mushrooms that have been described as goldfish-orange include the cinnabar chanterelle, the jack-o-lantern mushroom, and the wandering creamsicle.
While some goldfish-orange mushrooms like the cinnabar chanterelle are edible, many are highly poisonous, such as the jack-o-lantern mushroom. If you are ever unsure of the species, it is best to leave them alone and not consume them.
Goldfish-orange mushrooms can be found in lawns, especially in the fall after abundant rain. They tend to grow in clusters, arcs, and rings in suburban lawns, along trails, road embankments, and wooded landscaped areas.
