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Devil's urn

Urnula craterium

A species of Urnula, Also known as Black tulip fungus

The devil's urn (Urnula craterium) is a black or brown cup-shaped fungus. The species' tough, cracked outer layer and dark coloration may give it a scorched appearance. Devil's urns tend to grow in clusters and are usually found adorning fallen branches and rotting logs. Though the species is not edible itself, gatherers keep an eye out for it, as it usually fruits at about the same time as morels.

Cap Diameter:

4 - 10 cm

Odor:

Non-distinct, typical fungal scent.

General Info About Devil's urn

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Attributes of Devil's urn

Cap Diameter

4 - 10 cm

Height

4 - 12 cm

Cap

Cap 10 cm across; brown, gray; smooth

Stem

Stem 1 - 2.5 cm long, 5 mm thick; black

Flesh

Tough; white; unchanging when sliced

Ring

Ringless

Spore Print Color

White

Odor

Non-distinct, typical fungal scent.

Body Color

Brown

Black

Gray

Pink

Flesh Bruises

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

Growth Form

Scattered, Gregarious

Nutrient Gathering

Saprophytic

Substrate

Dead Woods

Occurence Habitats

Deciduous Woodland

Species Status

Widely distributed

Endangered Species

How to Identify Devil's urn

Fruiting Body Flesh Inner Surface

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Habitat of Devil's urn

The devil's urn can be found in wet mixed forests, mostly near streams and springs, in ravines and hillsides. It grows on dead or decaying wood - branches, sticks, small logs, or buried wood.

Distribution Area of Devil's urn

Eastern North America,Europe,northern Asia

Scientific Classification of Devil's urn

Phylum

Class

Order

Family

Genus

Similar Species to Devil's urn

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Tips for Finding Devil's urn

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What are Some Tips for Finding Devil's urn

Search near hardwood trees, focusing on areas with fallen branches, sticks, or logs.
Look for devil's urn where the forest floor is rich with decaying wood and leaf litter.
Investigate both on the surface and just below it, as devil's urn may grow from wood that is partly buried.
Keep an eye out for devil's urn's distinctive goblet shape among similar forest floor debris for easier identification.