Western Chanterelle Mushrooms

The Golden Chanterelle Is the Best Known of 16 Cantharellus Species

Nov 26, 2008

There are many popular and delicious mushrooms found on the west coast. One of the easiest to identify and most savory is the Cantharellus genus, or chanterelles.

Abundantly found in California, Oregon and Washington, chanterelles are one of the most sought after mushrooms. The most popular of these are the Golden chanterelle (Cantharellus cibarius), and its cousin the Pacific golden chanterelle (Cantharellus formosus), the designated state mushroom of Oregon.

The Golden and Pacific Golden Chanterelle

These two species are the most popular and most delicious chanterelles. They are considered together, since they are so similar in appearance. The caps and stipes (stems) are bright yellow or golden in color. The caps are broad and waved, uneven around the edges and somewhat funnel or trumpet shaped.

Chanterelles are not precisely gilled, but the underside of the cap consists of vein-like ridges that begin at the edge of the cap and run down the stipe. They are meaty and have a pleasantly fragrant and fruity aroma.

Golden chanterelles are commonly found in conifer forests from late summer until late fall (first frost). They can be found under Douglas fir, Sitka and other spruce as well as under Hemlock and Salal bushes. Cantharellus in general is thought to be a mycorrhizal fungus, forming a symbiotic relationship with the trees and plants where it is found. Golden chanterelles are often found pushing their way through thick moss or heavy forest fall, generally keeping a low profile.

The White Chanterelle

Similar to the Golden chanterelle in every way but color, is the White chanterelle (Cantharellus subalbidus). As its name implies, this mushroom is white overall, although it stains yellow or brown when bruised. It tends to run somewhat larger than Golden chanterelles, and is sometimes found with them.

The White chanterelle is equally prized by mushroom hunters as a premium edible, and can be found in northwest conifer forests in late summer through fall.

Mushrooms Similar to Chanterelles

Chanterelles in general, and especially the three common species described above, are distinct and readily identifiable. Mushroom hunters should carry a field guide, however, and should familiarize themselves with similar, undesirable species.

The False chanterelle (Hygrophoropsis aurantiaca) occurs in the same habitat as chanterelles, and bears some resemblance to them. It is a gilled mushroom, however, and once compared side by side with a true chanterelle, it is relatively easy to recognize the difference. The gills are finer than the ridges on a chanterelle, more orange in color and the cap is darker than a chanterelle and more orange or brown. Fortunately, this mushroom is not poisonous, but it is not recommended as edible.

The Wooly chanterelle (Gomphus floccosus) also occurs in Douglas fir forests, and resembles chanterelles to a degree. Again, however, these are readily differentiated by anyone who has seen true chanterelles. The caps are darker orange, much more depressed into a funnel shape, with the centers often scaled with rough orange to red wooly scales. In addition, the stems are much lighter in color (as compared with the more consistent cap to stem color of true chanterelles). Finally, this mushroom is larger than chanterelles, and stands much taller in the forest, often reaching 10 to 15 inches in height. The Wooly chanterelle is technically edible, but can cause indigestion and is not recommended.

Poisonous: The Jack O'Lantern Mushroom

This mushroom (Omphalotus olearius and Omphalotus olivascens) are the only similar species considered poisonous. However, they are not likely to be found in the conifer forest habitat where chanterelles grow. In addition, they are gilled mushrooms with dark caps, quite distinct from the bright yellow or white chanterelles described above.

Whether specifically hunted, or incidentally discovered while hiking western forest trails, abundant and delicious chanterelle mushrooms are a worthy objective.

McKenny, Margaret, and Stuntz, Daniel (1961, rev.1994), The New Savory Wild Mushroom, University of Washington Press, ISBN 1-55054-179-X

Smith, Alexander (1975), A Field Guide to Western Mushrooms, University of Michigan Press. ISBN 0-472-85599-9

The copyright of the article Western Chanterelle Mushrooms in Mycology is owned by Bob Bowers. Permission to republish Western Chanterelle Mushrooms in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.