Most commonly found on the surface of dead or dying oak trees, the pathogenic fungus cramp balls(Annulohypoxylon thouarsianum) is seen as an indicator of the health of any individual oak. The rapid proliferation of Sudden Oak Death, a blight increasingly common in the northwestern United States, has led to an increase in appearance of this fungus there.
Cap Diameter:
1 - 5 cm
In This Article
Attributes
Similar Species
Tips for Finding
Clean and Preserve
Common Questions
General Info About Cramp balls
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Attributes of Cramp balls
Cap Diameter
1 - 5 cm
Height
1 - 3 cm
Cap
1 - 5 cm broad; compressed-globose to hemispheric
Spore Print Color
Light to medium-brown
Body Color
Brown
Black
Flesh Bruises
The flesh or milk does not discolor when bruised or cut.
The cramp balls can be found in various woodland settings, but this fungus is mostly associated with oak. The mushrooms grow on dead oak wood, or on trees that are dying.
