Calostoma lutescens

Collared Calostoma

A stalked gasteroid fungus with an orange-yellow spore case topped by a crimson, beak-like mouth, raised on a long stem of interwoven yellowish strands. It lacks the gelatinous coating of C. cinnabarinum; instead the outer layer breaks into pale yellow, felt-like fragments that form a collar beneath the spore case. Like other Calostoma, it is ectomycorrhizal with oaks.

Species profile

Edibility

Not edible

Edibility not established in the sources consulted; not recommended.

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Habitat

Ectomycorrhizal with oaks; alone or in groups, usually in fall, or over winter in warm climates.

Distribution

Eastern North America, reported from Arkansas to Massachusetts; most common in the southern Appalachians.

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Characteristics

Spore case: round or nearly so, 10-15 mm across, orangish yellow, smooth. Peristome: crimson, ridged, beak-like. Outer layer: breaks into pale yellow, felted, collar-like fragments at the base of the spore case. Stem: 4-5 cm long, about 1 cm thick, of interwoven longitudinal yellowish strands. Interior: ivory, powdery at maturity. Odor: none. Microscopic: spores globose, deeply and regularly pitted, 5-9 µm.