Species details
Common bird's nest fungus
Crucibulum laeve
Inedible
Photo: Alexis · CC BY 4.0 · Photo source · License
Description
A tiny cup-like fungus that reveals several pale lentil-shaped peridioles after opening, resembling eggs in a nest.
Identification features
Fruitbodies are about 5–10 mm tall, yellowish-brown and finely hairy outside. A membrane closes the young cup; later smooth pale peridioles are exposed.
Identification checklist
Check the small pale cup with smooth interior and several pale peridioles; the inside is not ribbed as in Cyathus striatus.
How to separate similar species
Cyathus olla is usually larger and greyer; Cyathus striatus has a distinctly longitudinally ribbed interior.
Habitat
Grows on decaying plant debris, small wood fragments, mulch and straw from spring to autumn.
Fruiting period
May, June, July, August, September, October