Seeing a distant flash of bright orange amongst the greens of late summer / early fall can be exciting for those of us looking for chanterelles, but this mushroom offers no promise of a good meal. However, there are a few things that distinguish this fungus from our edible favorites.

Jack o’ Lantern mushrooms (Omphalotus illudens) have true gills that hang in neat rows under the cap and grow in clusters like oyster mushrooms from decaying wood and stumps, whereas chanterelles grow singly or in loose associations directly from the forest floor. While it looks like they are growing directly from the soil, they are actually growing on dead or decaying wood just below the surface. That’s why it’s important to consider all field marks when identifying mushrooms.

These Jacks were found next door to North Spore in Portland, Maine! 🎃

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