Species details
Toad's ear
Otidea bufonia
Inedible
Photo: Alan Rockefeller · CC BY 4.0 · Photo source · License
Description
A dark reddish-brown ear- to cup-shaped ascomycete without a distinct stem.
Identification features
Fruitbody about 1–7 cm tall and up to 8 cm wide, thin-walled, ear- to cup-shaped, open along one side and spirally curved. The inner surface is dark reddish-brown, the outer somewhat paler and finely granular.
Identification checklist
Check the dark reddish-brown colour, thin ear-cup form, side split and absence of a distinct stem.
How to separate similar species
Otidea alutacea is usually paler and leathery brown. Similar ear fungi can be difficult to separate macroscopically and may require microscopy.
Habitat
Grows in late summer and autumn in coniferous, deciduous and mixed woodland, often beside paths and road edges.
Fruiting period
August, September, October
Similar species
- Tan ear (Otidea alutacea)
- Otidea cochleata
- Otidea species