Laura Smith
Mushrooms come in a variety of colours, and orange is one of them. Orange mushrooms can be found in various habitats, from forests and natural areas to urban landscapes and suburban lawns. Some common types of orange mushrooms include the Jack-O-Lantern mushroom, the Cinnabar Chanterelle, and the Orange Peel Fungus. While some orange mushrooms are edible and praised for their unique flavours, others are highly toxic and can cause severe gastrointestinal issues. It is important to properly identify mushrooms before consuming them and to seek expert guidance when foraging for wild mushrooms.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Common Name | Jack-O-Lantern, Cinnabar Chanterelle, Orange Peel Fungus, Chicken of the Woods, Orange Mycena, Wandering Creamsicle |
| Scientific Name | Omphalotus illudens, Chantharellus cinnabarinus, Aleuria aurantia, Marasmius vagus |
| Colour | Bright orange, orange-red, orange-pink, reddish orange, yellowish orange |
| Shape | Bell-shaped, cup mushroom |
| Size | Large, small |
| Texture | Slimy, sticky, shiny, smooth |
| Gills | Broad, close to crowded, bright red-orange edges, white |
| Stalk | Long, equal sides, curving, orange-yellow, fibrous, sticky, coarse hairs at the base |
| Spore Print | White |
| Habitat | Forests, natural areas, urban areas, deciduous trees, trails, road embankments, landscaped areas, lawns |
| Edibility | Some orange mushrooms are edible, while some are toxic |
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What You'll Learn
- Cinnabar Chanterelle: an edible mushroom with an apricot-like, nutty, and slightly floral flavour
- Jack-O-Lantern: a poisonous mushroom found in forests, often near trees or stumps
- Orange Peel Fungus: a bright orange cup mushroom found in wooded areas
- Wandering Creamsicle: a non-toxic, conspicuous mushroom found in suburban lawns in Florida
- Orange Mycena: a small, sticky, bell-shaped orange mushroom found in Missouri
Cinnabar Chanterelle: an edible mushroom with an apricot-like, nutty, and slightly floral flavour
Cinnabar chanterelle, scientifically known as Chantharellus cinnabarinus, is an edible mushroom species with a distinct orange hue ranging from flamingo pink to a deep autumnal orange. It is a member of the Chanterelle family, which are all edible and known for their lack of true gills. The cinnabar chanterelle is distinguished from its larger, more famous cousins by its smaller size and vibrant colour. Its flavour is described as apricot-like, nutty, and slightly floral, with a peppery endnote. Its aroma is reminiscent of apricots, and its flesh is solid and white to pale orange.
Cinnabar chanterelles are often found in eastern North America's hardwood forests, particularly in symbiosis with beech and oak trees. They are mycorrhizal, meaning they grow in harmony with trees or plants, wrapping their vast network of hair-like fibres around tree roots to enhance the tree's ability to absorb water and nutrients in exchange for sugars. They can also occasionally be found surrounded by softwood, indicating a potential gap in our understanding of their growth preferences.
When foraging for cinnabar chanterelles, it is important to be cautious as there are many poisonous look-alikes. While the white spore print of the cinnabar chanterelle is not essential for identification, other features, such as its network of "false gills," are more reliable indicators. False gills are wrinkles in the mushroom cap, thicker at the attachment point, with rounded edges. In contrast, true gills maintain a consistent thickness and have thin edges.
Cinnabar chanterelles are versatile in the kitchen and can be prepared in various ways. They are excellent when sauteed with garlic, butter, and sage, bringing out their unique flavour profile. Their texture remains firm and solid even when cooked, making them a delightful addition to any dish.
In terms of medicinal properties, cinnabar chanterelles have not been extensively studied. However, one notable finding indicates a high concentration of antioxidants in this species.
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Jack-O-Lantern: a poisonous mushroom found in forests, often near trees or stumps
The Jack-O-Lantern mushroom, or Omphalotus illudens, is a highly toxic species of mushroom that is commonly found in forests and natural areas, sometimes even in urban areas. It is easily identifiable due to its bright orange colour, size, and occurrence in clusters of up to 15-20 mushrooms, usually at the base of living oak trees, stumps, or buried wood roots. Occasionally, they can be found on other deciduous trees. They are often noticed due to their bioluminescent gills and bright orange caps with a central bump. They are commonly seen in the fall, especially before Halloween, and resemble the highly edible chanterelle mushrooms, which can lead to accidental consumption and severe gastrointestinal issues.
Jack-O-Lantern mushrooms are poisonous and should not be ingested. Consuming these mushrooms can cause severe stomach aches, headaches, sweating, nausea, exhaustion, vomiting, a bitter taste in the mouth, and a cold feeling. These symptoms can last for several days, and it is important to seek medical attention if you suspect poisoning.
The Jack-O-Lantern mushroom is often confused with the chanterelle mushroom, which has a similar appearance. Chanterelle mushrooms, however, are edible and have a nutty, floral, and slightly peppery flavour. They are also known as Cantharellus cibarius and are native to Europe, whereas Jack-O-Lantern mushrooms are found in North America and are a different species.
When foraging for mushrooms, it is important to be cautious and only consume mushrooms that have been positively identified as edible. If you are new to mushroom hunting, it is best to accompany a mushroom expert. Always be wary of poisonous look-alikes, and when in doubt, refrain from consuming any wild mushrooms.
In addition to the Jack-O-Lantern mushroom, other orange mushrooms include the cinnabar chanterelle, orange peel fungus (Aleuria aurantia), and chicken of the woods. These species vary in edibility and medicinal properties, with the cinnabar chanterelle praised for its flavour and high antioxidant concentration.
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Orange Peel Fungus: a bright orange cup mushroom found in wooded areas
The Orange Peel Fungus, or Aleuria aurantia, is a bright orange cup-shaped fungus that grows in wooded areas. It is a type of ascomycete fungus in the order Pezizales, and it gets its common name from its resemblance to orange peels strewn on the ground. This fungus has a unique appearance, with a bright orange colour, a cup-shaped or bowl-like form, and a fuzzy external texture. It often appears misshapen due to the crowding of other fruiting bodies.
The Orange Peel Fungus is saprobic, meaning it consumes and decomposes organic matter. As a result, it is commonly found on disturbed soil, clay, or bare ground, especially in areas where trees have been removed or near stumps and dead wood. It is not typically found on living trees or plants. This fungus is widespread and can be found in North America, South Chile, Europe, and Britain and Ireland. Its appearance varies depending on the region, with a typical fruiting period from November to March in the western regions and May to November in the eastern regions.
While the Orange Peel Fungus is considered edible, it is not highly regarded for its culinary value due to its lack of taste and the difficulty in collecting it intact. It is mostly used to add colour to dishes, such as salads. However, it is important to accurately identify this fungus before consumption, as there are similar-looking inedible or toxic mushrooms, such as those from the Peziza genus.
The Orange Peel Fungus has a distinctive growth pattern, often appearing in clusters. It can be identified by its bright orange colour, cup shape, and fuzzy external texture. The flesh of the fungus is fragile, and its spores produce a white spore print. When disturbed, the spores scatter in visible clouds. While it is an attractive fungus to come across, it is important to handle it with care and properly identify it before consuming it or interacting with it.
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Wandering Creamsicle: a non-toxic, conspicuous mushroom found in suburban lawns in Florida
The Wandering Creamsicle is a fascinating species of mushroom that is native to the suburban lawns of Florida. With its bright and conspicuous appearance, it stands out amidst the greenery, capturing the attention of anyone who lays eyes on it. This mushroom is easily identifiable by its distinctive characteristics and plays an important ecological role in its habitat.
The Wandering Creamsicle typically grows in clusters, often appearing in groups of up to 15-20 mushrooms. It favours the lawns of suburban areas, particularly in Florida, where its presence adds a touch of natural beauty to the human-made environment. The mushrooms usually start their journey as small, bright orange orbs that gradually transform into mature fungi with a unique appearance.
One of the most striking features of the Wandering Creamsicle is its vibrant colour. Its cap, or pileus, boasts a vivid orange hue, sometimes with a hint of red or pink, that makes it truly stand out. This colourful display is not just aesthetically pleasing but also serves a functional purpose. The bright colouration is thought to attract attention, aiding in spore dispersal and contributing to the mushroom's reproductive success.
The size of the Wandering Creamsicle can vary, but it often grows to a noticeable height, further enhancing its conspicuous nature. Its stem, or stipe, is sturdy and supports the vibrant cap. The gills of the mushroom, which are responsible for spore production, run down the stem, adding to its distinctive appearance. These gills are known to exhibit bioluminescence, emitting a faint glow in the darkness, although this feature tends to fade as the mushroom ages.
Unlike some of its toxic counterparts, the Wandering Creamsicle is non-toxic and safe to consume. However, it is always advisable to exercise caution and properly identify any wild mushroom before considering it for consumption. The flesh of the Wandering Creamsicle is solid and consistent, with a whitish or pale orange colour similar to the shade of its cap. Its aroma is often described as reminiscent of apricots, adding to its unique sensory experience.
The Wandering Creamsicle plays an important ecological role in its habitat. As a decomposer, it breaks down organic matter, contributing to the nutrient cycle and enriching the soil in suburban lawns. Its conspicuous appearance also attracts attention, bringing a touch of awareness about the often-overlooked fungal world to the general public.
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Orange Mycena: a small, sticky, bell-shaped orange mushroom found in Missouri
The Orange Mycena, scientifically known as Mycena leaiana, is a small, sticky, bell-shaped orange mushroom found in Missouri. It is a hard-to-miss fungus with its bright orange cap and gills, and its often large clumping growth makes it one of the most recognizable mushrooms in the woods. This mushroom is widespread across eastern North America and can be found in Australia and New Zealand.
The Orange Mycena is not edible, but it is also not poisonous. It is a saprobic species, meaning it obtains its nutrients by decomposing dead and decaying wood, primarily from hardwood trees. These mushrooms often grow in dense, clustered formations, with multiple stems emerging from a single point. The clusters grow on wood, not from the ground, and the caps are initially egg-shaped, becoming bell-shaped to conical with a sunken centre as the mushroom matures.
The cap of the Orange Mycena ranges in colour from a bright, vibrant orange to a more muted, yellowish-orange hue as the mushroom ages. Rainy weather will also wash out the colour to a pale orange. The cap is smooth and sticky, especially in moist weather, and can have a slight depression in the centre. Mature caps range from 3/8 to 1 1/2 inches (1 to 4 cm) in diameter, and the oldest specimens sometimes fade to an almost ghostly white.
The gills of the Orange Mycena are pinkish-yellow, staining orange-yellow when cut, with bright red-orange edges and a light cream inner area. The stalk is long and fibrous, with a tough, sticky texture and dense, long, coarse hairs at the base. The spore print is white, and the spores are elliptical, smooth, and colourless when viewed under magnification.
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Frequently asked questions
Some orange mushrooms include the jack-o-lantern mushroom, the cinnabar chanterelle, orange peel fungus, chicken of the woods, orange Mycena, and the wandering creamsicle.
The jack-o-lantern mushroom is bright orange and usually appears in clusters near trees or stumps. It is often found in forests or natural areas, and sometimes in urban areas.
No, the jack-o-lantern mushroom is toxic and should not be consumed. It can cause severe gastrointestinal problems and profuse sweating.
Yes, the cinnabar chanterelle is edible and praised for its apricot-like, nutty, and slightly floral flavor. It is a North American species that produces various shades of orange-red and orange-pink.
Orange Mycena mushrooms are small, sticky, and bell-shaped. They grow in dense clusters on deciduous wood.
