Species details
Hare's ear
Otidea onotica
Conditional / expert preparation
Photo: Eugene Popov · CC BY 4.0 · Photo source · License
Description
A yellowish to orange-ochre cup fungus with an open elongated fruitbody characteristically resembling an ear.
Identification features
Fruitbodies are thin, elongated and ear-shaped with a side opening; the inside is yellow to orange-ochre and the outside somewhat paler.
Identification checklist
Check the distinct ear shape, longitudinal side opening and yellow-orange tones. Microscopy may be needed for reliable species separation in Otidea.
How to separate similar species
Other Otidea species overlap in shape and colour. Macroscopic characters overlap, so food identification without expert confirmation is inappropriate.
Habitat
Grows on woodland soil and beside paths, usually in groups, mainly from summer to late autumn.
Fruiting period
July, August, September, October, November
Similar species
- Otidea leporina
- Tan ear (Otidea alutacea)
- Toad's ear (Otidea bufonia)