Cantharellus cinereus

Morphological Features:

Pileus rarely exceeding 5 cm in diameter even under optimal conditions, funnel-shaped to flat with an umbilicate center, bearing a central depression that typically extends down to the stipe. When adequately hydrated, it is dark gray, fading considerably upon drying. The surface is fibrillose and somewhat scaly, and the margin is wavy and involute in a somewhat irregular manner, being also very thin.

Lamellae absent; the hymenium consists of well-marked, perfectly defined folds, occasionally thick, ash-gray in color, which are decurrent on the stipe.

Stipe shorter than typical for its genus, initially solid, becoming hollow with age, similar in color to the pileus, cylindrical, and slightly attenuated towards the base.

Flesh soft and very thin, pale gray in color, with a sweet taste and a more or less intense fruity odor.

Habitat:

Found during autumn under broadleaf trees, particularly under Fagus sylvatica, curiously in the same locations where Craterellus cornucopioides fruits. It similarly appears in clusters, though less numerous and abundant.

Observations:

It is a good edible mushroom, less highly regarded than Craterellus cornucopioides, with which it is often confused; the latter exhibits a more blackish coloration and a smoother hymenium lacking folds as well-defined as those of this species. It may also be confused with Faerberia carbonaria, which typically fruits on burnt ground or fire scars and possesses very tough flesh.