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Pinecone mushroom

Auriscalpium vulgare

A species of Auriscalpium, Also known as Earpick fungus, Ear-spoon fungus

Pinecone mushroom(Auriscalpium vulgare) prefers to sprout on conifers and in conifer litter, even on fallen pinecones. Noted for its unique appearance by Linnaeus, the cap surface is bristly when young; later, spines can reach up to three millimeters in length. This species is generally considered inedible.

Cap Diameter:

1 - 3 cm

Odor:

Mildly mushroomy but not distinctive.

General Info About Pinecone mushroom

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Attributes of Pinecone mushroom

Cap Diameter

1 - 3 cm

Height

1 - 2.5 cm

Cap

Cap 1 - 3 cm across; irregular, kidney-shaped; reddish brown; surface velvety to smooth

Cap Shape

Convex, Flat

Cap Surfaces

Fibrillose-scaly

Stem

Stem 2 - 7 cm long, 3 mm thick; brown; tough; with tiny hairs

Stem Shapes

Cylindrical

Stem Surfaces

Smooth to slightly fibrous

Flesh

Thin; tough; whitish to brownish

Ring

Ringless

Spore Print Color

White

Odor

Mildly mushroomy but not distinctive.

Body Color

Brown

Black

Red

Flesh Bruises

The flesh or milk does not discolor when bruised or cut.

Growth Form

Solitary, Gregarious

Nutrient Gathering

Saprophytic

Substrate

Cones of Conifers, Leaf or Needle Litter

You can find Pinecone mushroom by these plants:

Common douglas-fir, Pines, Scots pine, Spruces

Occurence Habitats

Coniferous Woodland

Species Status

Widely distributed

Endangered Species

How to Identify Pinecone mushroom

Fruiting Body Cap Teeth

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Habitat of Pinecone mushroom

The pinecone mushroom is restricted to coniferous forests since it feeds exclusively on conifer cones. It prefers the rotting cones of pines and Douglas fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii).

Distribution Area of Pinecone mushroom

North America,Europe,Central America,Asia

Scientific Classification of Pinecone mushroom

Phylum

Club fungi

Class

Mushroom-forming fungi

Order

Russulales

Family

Auriscalpiaceae

Genus

Auriscalpium

Similar Species to Pinecone mushroom

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Tips for Finding Pinecone mushroom

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What are Some Tips for Finding Pinecone mushroom

Search at the base of conifer trees, especially pines and Douglas-firs, for fallen cones.
Inspect individual cones closely as pinecone mushroom tends to grow alone or in small groups on them.
Look for mushrooms that may be partially hidden under forest litter on the ground.
Visit areas with plentiful conifer trees, as these are more likely habitats for pinecone mushroom.