Swamp Beacon
ExploreFungi
Swamp Beacon
mitrula elegans
The Swamp Beacon is a unique mushroom that glows in the dark, lighting up the forest floor! Kids will love exploring at night to see this magical fungus shine brightly.
Habitat: Swamps and marshes
Appearance
The Swamp Beacon is a tiny, club-shaped fungus with a bright yellow to orange, gelatinous head perched atop a slender, pale white stem. It often appears to be a miniature lollipop, frequently found in soggy, mossy areas or even partially submerged in water.
KingdomFungiPhylumAscomycotaClassLeotiomycetesOrderHelotialesFamilySclerotiniaceaeGenusMitrula
Category
FungiRarity
Common
Danger
1/5 · Very low
Snaps
3
Interesting facts
It loves water so much, you can often spot it growing right in shallow streams!
Its scientific name, Mitrula elegans, means 'elegant little cap' – fancy!
This tiny fungus looks like a lollipop stick that's fallen into the mud.
Unlike most mushrooms, it doesn't have gills under its cap to release spores!
Special abilities
Ability
Water Dweller
Swamp Beacon has a rubbery, resilient texture that helps it thrive even when submerged in chilly, flowing water.
Ability
Nutrient Recycler
Swamp Beacon can break down dead leaves and wood because its enzymes return vital nutrients to the forest floor.
Ability
Bright Signal
Swamp Beacon has a vibrant orange cap that might attract tiny insects to help spread its spores far and wide.
Measurements & details
- Height
- 2-8 cm
- Edible
- inedible
- Size
- 0.5-1.5 cm
- Growth Substrate
- leaf litter
- Season
- Spring to fall
- Spore Color
- White
Ecological connections
Traits
Solitary
Solitary animals live alone for most of their lives, only interacting with others for mating or parental care.
Colorful
Colorful describes organisms or objects displaying a wide range of bright and distinct colors.
Decomposer
Describes organisms that break down dead organic material, recycling nutrients back into the ecosystem.
Aquatic
Aquatic habitats encompass environments where organisms live predominantly in water, including oceans, rivers, lakes, and wetlands.
Nocturnal
Nocturnal animals are primarily active during the nighttime hours, typically resting or sleeping during the day.
Also known as
Glowing MushroomNight Light FungusSwamp Glow
Collections
Safety
Danger
1/5 · Very low
Always ask an adult before touching wild mushrooms!
Frequently Asked Questions
How to identify Swamp Beacon?
Compare the cap shape, the underside, the stem and base, and whether the fungus grows on wood or soil. Some fungi have gills, others pores or teeth. A cap seen only from above often hides the most useful features. Mushroom Identifier: upload a photo and compare the visible details.
How tall is Swamp Beacon?
2-8 cm
Is Swamp Beacon edible?
inedible
How big is Swamp Beacon?
0.5-1.5 cm
Where is Swamp Beacon usually found?
Swamps and marshes
What does Swamp Beacon grow on?
leaf litter
When is Swamp Beacon in season?
Spring to fall
What color are Swamp Beacon spores?
White
Snap Map
Zoom in to split clusters and explore where this object has been snapped.
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Recent Snaps
Where to spot
Photo coming soon
Historic District30 sightings12 species
Maine, US
Cumberland Mills Historic District
You might spot Duck, Snapping Turtle, and Yellow Trout Lily.
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Botanical Garden22 sightings12 species
Ohio, US
Holden Arboretum
You might spot Eastern Newt, Eastern Hemlock, and American Cancer-Root.
View guide →
Photo coming soon
Forest30 sightings12 species
Connecticut, US
Meshomasic State Forest
You might spot American Chestnut, Sweet Pepperbush, and American Beech.
View guide →
Photo coming soon
State Park15 sightings3 species
British Columbia, CA
Carmanah Walbran Provincial Park
You might spot Pacific Banana Slug and Round-Leaved Sundew.
View guide →
Take the discovery with you
Found Swamp Beacon?
Snap it with Snappit to identify it, learn what makes it special, and add the discovery to your collection.
- 1Spot it
- 2Snap it
- 3Keep the discovery
