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

Witches' Butter

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

Witches' Butter has a gelatinous texture that helps them absorb and retain water, allowing them to swell and survive dry spells.

Witches' Butter can shrink and shrivel during dry weather, then rehydrate and expand again when it rains, like a natural sponge.

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

Discover how some plants and fungi create tiny little "seeds" called spores to help them grow new life! These tiny particles drift in the air, spreading new generations far and wide.

Colorful

Discover amazing plants and animals that show off a dazzling array of bright and beautiful hues! They use their vibrant colors to attract attention or send signals.