fungi · GBIF taxon 5249504
Cantharellus cibarius
cantharellus cibariusAlso known as Girolle, Chanterelle, Yellow Chanterelle
Golden chanterelles are mycorrhizal fungi that form mutually beneficial relationships with the roots of both coniferous and deciduous trees. They produce distinctive, funnel-shaped fruiting bodies with a rich yellow to orange hue and blunt, wavy ridges rather than true gills beneath the cap. These mushrooms often emerge in mossy forest floors after heavy summer and autumn rains, releasing a faint, fruity aroma reminiscent of apricots.
MycorrhizalForest DwellerAutumn Fruiting
- diet
- Mycorrhizal (absorbs nutrients from host tree roots in exchange for water and minerals)
- family
- Hydnaceae
- threats
- Habitat loss, soil compaction, and intensive logging
- life Span
- Fruiting bodies last 2 to 4 weeks; the underground mycelium can live for decades
LC
Many edible mushrooms have toxic look-alikes; never eat wild fungi based on app identification alone.
- Observe the ridges: Look closely underneath the cap to see thick, blunt, fork-like ridges rather than thin, paper-like gills.
- Check the substrate: Note that these mushrooms grow directly from the soil or moss, never directly on dead wood or tree trunks.
- Appreciate the aroma: Gently waft the air near a fresh specimen to detect its characteristic apricot-like scent.