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Craterellus cornucopioides, commonly known as the Black Trumpet or Horn of Plenty, is a distinctive basidiomycete fungus in the family Cantharellaceae. Unlike many gilled mushrooms, it possesses a deeply infundibuliform (funnel-shaped) fruiting body that is hollow almost to the base, resembling a trumpet or vase. The flesh is thin, brittle, and cartilaginous, ranging in color from dark grey to black or dark brown when moist, fading to a lighter ashy grey when dry. The hymenium (spore-bearing surface) is smooth to slightly wrinkled or veined, lacking true gills, and is typically paler than the upper surface, often developing a whitish bloom from maturing spores. Ecologically, this species is an obligate ectomycorrhizal partner, forming symbiotic relationships primarily with broad-leaved hardwood trees. It is often found growing gregariously or in tight, caespitose clusters, sometimes camouflaged against dark leaf litter. The species complex has been subject to phylogenetic revision; while C. cornucopioides was traditionally considered widespread, DNA analysis suggests North American populations may largely belong to distinct cryptic species such as Craterellus fallax, distinguished by subtle morphological differences like spore print color (pinkish-ochre in C. fallax vs. white/cream in C. cornucopioides).
Native: Europe (widespread), Asia (temperate regions), North America (East and West coasts - though often genetically distinct species like C. fallax). Widespread and locally common in the Northern Hemisphere, though often overlooked due to its dark color blending with the forest floor.
No strains cataloged yet for this species.
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