Cantharellus spp. aka chanterelles are up in Cleveland!

To properly identify Cantharellus cibarius or other Cantharellus spp. look for the following:

• These mushrooms lack true gills. Instead their spore bearing surface is lined with ridges or folds. These ridges are decurrent and fork and split towards the margin of the cap.
• Most Cantharellus spp. are only yellowish on the surface. If you peel back the pellicle their flesh is white.
• They’re mychorrizal meaning that they grow symbiotically with specific types of trees. Around the Great Lakes I find them pairing up mainly with Fagus grandifolia aka Beech. Look for beech trees and you’ll find chanterelles on the ground.
• They grow on the ground. If you find something that looks like a chanterelle growing on wood then it’s not a chanterelle.
• Chanterelles have a very distinct aroma. Some people compare it to peaches or apricots while others compare it to the floral rose like aromas of black pepper. Either way, your chanterelles should smell floral/fruity.

I hope these tips help you find this delicious summer wild mushroom. Always be sure to thoroughly and properly identify any fungi before you even think about eating it. We are always available to help you identify your mushroom and plant finds. Email us at contact@larderdb.com or call 216.912.8203 to ask us your identification questions. We are staffed by a licensed wild mushroom expert.