Fauna
Fungus

Golden Chanterelle

Cantharellus cibarius

Also known as Girolle, Chanterelle, Golden Girolle

Golden chanterelles emerge from woodland soil during moist summer and autumn months, forming vital mycorrhizal partnerships with the roots of oaks, beeches, and conifers. Their bright egg-yolk yellow caps feature wavy, funnel-shaped margins supported by thick, decurrent ridges that fork repeatedly down the stem. A faint aroma reminiscent of ripe apricots often fills the air around patches growing among damp forest mosses.

MycorrhizalForestFungus
Golden Chanterelle reference1 / 7
(c) Björn S..., some rights reserved (CC BY-SA) · cc-by-sa
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Least ConcernConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXLeast ConcernRed List categories, explained →
Key facts
Diet & preyEctomycorrhizal
Predators
  • Slugs
  • Fungus Gnat Larvae
  • Squirrels
ThreatsDeforestation and soil compaction
HabitatsDeciduous and coniferous woodlands
Life spanFruiting body lasts 2–4 weeks; underground mycelium lives for decades
Classification
  1. OrderCantharellales
  2. FamilyHydnaceae
  3. GenusCantharellus
  4. SpeciesCantharellus cibarius
Range & activity
Range data is not available yet.
Safe observation
Interaction riskLow
  1. Low
  2. Moderate
  3. High
  4. Very high
Why interaction risk is low
Many edible mushrooms have toxic look-alikes; never eat wild fungi based on app identification alone.
Responsible observation
  • Observing Ridges: Examine the underside of the cap to distinguish blunt decurrent ridges from thin knife-like true gills.
  • Habitat Context: Search around the base of mature hardwoods or conifers where damp moss carpets the ground.
  • Spore Prints: Place a cap on white paper to produce a pale yellow to cream colored spore print.
Related species
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