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Western jack-o'-lantern mushroom

Omphalotus olivascens

A species of Omphalotus

The western jack-o'-lantern mushroom (Omphalotus olivascens) may be the most visually striking mushroom of the forest during day and night. During the day, brilliant large orange flat caps grow from both the ground and decaying stumps. At night, these mushrooms may glow in the dark, depending on location and maturity.

Cap Diameter:

5 - 20 cm

Odor:

Mildly mushroomy but not distinctive.

General Info About Western jack-o'-lantern mushroom

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Attributes of Western jack-o'-lantern mushroom

Cap Diameter

5 - 20 cm

Height

5 - 18 cm

Cap

Cap 4 - 18 cm across; convex; orange, brown; smooth, moist; margin incurved, wavy

Cap Shape

Convex

Cap Surfaces

Smooth

Gills

Decurrent; orange to brown

Gill Attachment

Decurrent

Stem

Stem 4 - 15 cm long, 1 - 4 cm thick; central to off-central; yellowish-olive; smooth

Stem Shapes

Tapering

Stem Surfaces

Smooth

Flesh

Thin, pliant; dull orange to orange-brown

Ring

Ringless

Spore Print Color

Yellow

Odor

Mildly mushroomy but not distinctive.

Body Color

Brown

Green

Yellow

Orange

Flesh Bruises

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

Growth Form

Clustered

Nutrient Gathering

Saprophytic

Substrate

Dead Woods

Occurence Habitats

Deciduous Woodland

How to Identify Western jack-o'-lantern mushroom

Fruiting Body Cap Gills

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Habitat of Western jack-o'-lantern mushroom

The western jack-o'-lantern mushroom is widely distributed in forests and wooded areas. It's mostly associated with oaks and Eucalyptus species. It occurs on dead stumps and decaying and buried wood.

Scientific Classification of Western jack-o'-lantern mushroom

Phylum

Club fungi

Class

Mushroom-forming fungi

Order

Gilled fungi

Family

Marasmiaceae

Genus

Omphalotus

Toxicity and Edibility of Western jack-o'-lantern mushroom

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Is Western jack-o'-lantern mushroom Toxic?

The western jack-o'-lantern mushroom is a highly poisonous mushroom. The most typical symptoms of poisoning include profuse sweating and severe gastrointestinal distress that can last for several days. Beginner mushroom hunters often mistake this poisonous mushroom for edible Chanterelles.

Is Western jack-o'-lantern mushroom Toxic to Dogs?

Western jack-o'-lantern mushroom contains a toxic compound called llludin S, which is poisonous to dogs and other mammals. Symptoms of poisoning include drooling, vomiting, and diarrhea. If your dog has eaten this mushroom, seek medical assistance. This bioluminescent mushroom is native to the Eastern U.S.A. and Mexico.

Similar Species to Western jack-o'-lantern mushroom

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Tips for Finding Western jack-o'-lantern mushroom

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What are Some Tips for Finding Western jack-o'-lantern mushroom

Search around the base of hardwood stumps, particularly where woods have been felled or disturbed.
Investigate areas with dead or buried roots, as western jack-o'-lantern mushroom often surfaces in such environments.
Be thorough in your search, scanning both the ground and any lower-hanging remains on stumps.
Gently clear leaf litter and other forest debris around potential growing sites to uncover any hidden western jack-o'-lantern mushroom.
Utilize natural light for better visibility; early morning or late afternoon can provide advantageous lighting.