Species details
Yellow stagshorn
Calocera viscosa
Inedible
Photo: Nomeda Vėlavičienė · CC BY-SA 3.0 · Photo source · License
Description
A yellow to orange, coral-like branched wood fungus with small elastic branches and a sticky surface when wet.
Identification features
The branches are tough and gelatinous-elastic, often forked at the tips; the fertile surface covers the smooth outside of the branches.
Identification checklist
Check the entire fruitbody for identification. A yellow to orange, coral-like branched wood fungus with small elastic branches and a sticky surface when wet. The branches are tough and gelatinous-elastic, often forked at the tips; the fertile surface covers the smooth outside of the branches. Typical habitat: On decaying conifer wood, especially spruce stumps, roots and buried timber.
How to separate similar species
Compare especially with these similar species: Clavulina coralloides, Ramaria species, Clavulinopsis species. Check the entire fruitbody, spore-bearing surface, stem, texture, changes after bruising and habitat. A single feature or photograph is not enough for reliable identification.
Habitat
On decaying conifer wood, especially spruce stumps, roots and buried timber.
Fruiting period
June, July, August, September, October, November
Similar species
- Crested coral (Clavulina coralloides)
- Ramaria species
- Clavulinopsis species