Witches' Butter
ExploreFungi
Witches' Butter
Tremella
Witches' Butter is a bright yellow fungus that looks like jelly! It grows on trees and is a fun sight in the woods.
Habitat: On decaying wood in forests
Appearance
The Witches' Butter is a bright yellow to orange, brain-like or jelly-like fungus. It has a wrinkled, lobed surface that feels gelatinous and moist to the touch, often appearing as slimy blobs on dead wood. Its vibrant color and unique texture distinguish it from most other fungi.
KingdomFungiPhylumBasidiomycotaClassAgaricomycetesOrderAuricularialesFamilyAuriculariaceaeGenusExidia
Category
FungiRarity
Rare
Danger
1/5 · Very low
Snaps
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Interesting facts
Ancient superstitions believed it was butter churned by mischievous witches or fairies!
It's sometimes added to Chinese desserts and soups for its unusual, delicate texture!
Its wiggly texture makes it feel like edible jelly, but it's often crunchy when dry!
This fungus can freeze solid in winter and then thaw out to continue growing again!
Special abilities
Ability
Moisture Magnet
Witches' Butter has a gelatinous texture that helps them absorb and retain water, allowing them to swell and survive dry spells.
Ability
Shape Shifter
Witches' Butter can shrink and shrivel during dry weather, then rehydrate and expand again when it rains, like a natural sponge.
Ability
Wood Wizard
Witches' Butter can parasitize other fungi that decompose wood, helping speed up the recycling of nutrients in forest ecosystems.
Measurements & details
- Height
- 2-7 cm
- Edibility
- edible
- Growth Substrate
- wood
- Season
- Fall, Winter, Year-round
- Spore Color
- White
Ecological connections
parasitizes
Rusty Crust Fungus
Peniophora rufa
Grows on this fungus to absorb its nutrients.
depends on
White Oak
Quercus alba
Thrives on dead or decaying branches and logs.
depends on
American Beech
Fagus grandifolia
Often found growing on its fallen wood.
Traits
Spore Producing
Spore-producing organisms reproduce by releasing small, often single-celled, reproductive units called spores.
Colorful
Colorful describes organisms or objects displaying a wide range of bright and distinct colors.
Forest
Forest habitats are terrestrial environments dominated by dense tree cover, supporting a high diversity of plant and animal life.
Also known as
Tremella Fungi
Collections
Safety
Danger
1/5 · Very low
Do not pick or eat anything you find. Some plants and mushrooms can be harmful.
Frequently Asked Questions
How tall is Witches' Butter?
2-7 cm
Is Witches' Butter edible?
edible
Where is Witches' Butter usually found?
On decaying wood in forests
What does Witches' Butter grow on?
wood
When is Witches' Butter in season?
Fall, Winter, Year-round
What color are Witches' Butter spores?
White
Snap Map
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