Cantharellus tubaeformis - Trumpet Chanterelle

Taxonomy

Phylum: Basidiomycota

Class: Agaricomycetes

Order: Cantharellales

Commonly referred to as the Trumpet Chanterelle, but also known as Yellow Legs, Cantharellus tubaeformis is a popular edible member of the chanterelle family found in well-drained coniferous woodland where sunlight penetrates.

Perhaps less famous that the lovely golden Chanterelles, cvantharellus cibarius, that fruit earlier in the season, the Trumpet Chanterelle has one thing going for it: it is extremely gregarious and often appears (quite literally!) in patches of thousands. That makes it no problem at all to gather enough for a nice meal. For this reason as well as its subtle flavour and pleasantly firm texture I have included Cantharellus tubaeformis in my 'Magnificent Seven' mushrooms with super menus in my new book Fascinated by Fungi...

Identification guide

Cap	Typically 2 to 5cm across; thin fleshed; brown above, with a pale margin; veined beneath the cap; funnel-shaped, with a very wavy margin.
Veins	Initially yellow but becoming more greyish as the fungus matures, the wrinkled veins are forked and decurrent. There are also cross-veins, as can be seen from this close-up picture.
Stem	Tall, somewhat flattened and hollow. Typically 5 to 10mm in diameter and often slightly club-shaped or bulbous at the base.
Spore print	Pinkish-white.
Odour/taste	Not distinctive.
Habitat	In damp coniferous forests, often among ivy.
Season	August to October.
Occurrence	Frequent.
Similar species	Cantharellus cibarius is bright yellow, usually larger in diameter and more squat; it has a solid stem, pale flesh and a slight fruity (apricot-like) smell.