Fauna
Fungus · GBIF taxon 8130763

Turbinellus kauffmanii

Turbinellus kauffmanii

Also known as Kauffman's Turbinellus, Kauffman's Gomphus, Scaly Vase Chanterelle

Scaly vase false chanterelles emerge from the damp forest floor of western North America, forming substantial vase-shaped fruiting bodies with prominent, coarse scales across their hollow centers. They form ectomycorrhizal partnerships with mature conifers, trading soil minerals and moisture for photosynthetic sugars produced by their host trees. Unlike true chanterelles, their undersides display blunt, wrinkled ridges that repeatedly fork and cross-vein down the stalk.

FungusForest DwellerMycorrhizal
Turbinellus kauffmanii reference1 / 7
Licensed reference(c) mountainamoeba, some rights reserved (CC BY) · cc-by
—observations
—countries
—peak records
Not EvaluatedConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXNot Evaluated — not placed on the risk ladderRed List categories, explained →
Key facts
Diet & prey
  • Absorptive heterotroph (ectomycorrhizal)
Predators
  • Fungus gnat larvae
  • Slugs
  • Forest rodents
ThreatsHabitat loss from clear-cutting and soil compaction
HabitatsConiferous and mixed temperate rainforests
Life spanFruiting bodies last 1–3 weeks; mycelium persists for decades
Classification
  1. OrderGomphales
  2. FamilyGomphaceae
  3. GenusTurbinellus
  4. SpeciesTurbinellus kauffmanii
Range & activity
Range data is not available yet.
Safe observation
Interaction riskHigh
  1. Low
  2. Moderate
  3. High
  4. Very high
Why interaction risk is high
Causes gastrointestinal illness. Many edible mushrooms have toxic look-alikes; never eat wild fungi based on app identification alone.
Why it is dangerous
Contains norcaperatic acid, which acts as a severe gastrointestinal irritant causing bouts of vomiting, cramps, and diarrhea.
How to recognize a risky encounter
Look for a deeply hollow, vase-shaped cap adorned with coarse tan-to-brown scales and blunt ridges below.
What to do
Observe and photograph freely, but do not consume any part of the mushroom.
Responsible observation
  • Field examination: Inspect the underside to verify shallow, blunt ridges rather than blade-like gills.
  • Habitat clues: Search near mature western hemlock and fir stands during autumn rains.
  • Leave in place: Allow mature caps to release their spores into the moss layer.
Related species
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