Yellow Stagshorn

Calocera

The Yellow Stagshorn looks like little yellow horns sticking out of the ground! This fun fungus often grows on decaying wood.

Habitat: Decaying wood

Appearance

The Yellow Stagshorn is a bright yellow to orange-yellow fungus with a distinctively branched, coral-like appearance, resembling tiny antlers. Its surface is gelatinous, feeling rubbery and sticky when wet. This unique texture and shape make it easily recognizable among forest fungi.

KingdomFungiPhylumBasidiomycotaClassDacrymycetesOrderDacrymycetalesFamilyDacrymycetaceaeGenusCalocera

Yellow Stagshorn

Interesting facts

It feels like squishy, rubbery jelly!

Its scientific name means 'sticky beautiful horn!'

Rain makes it swell up and glow bright yellow!

Tiny bugs sometimes use it as a yummy snack!

Special abilities

Yellow Stagshorn can break down dead wood because of special enzymes that help them recycle nutrients.

Yellow Stagshorn has a jelly-like texture that helps them stay moist even when conditions are dry.

Yellow Stagshorn can dry out and then re-absorb water to regain its shape because of its structure.

Measurements & details

Height: 2-10 cm
Edibility: edible
Growth Substrate: wood
Season: Late Summer to Autumn
Spore Color: White

Ecological connections

depends on

Norway Spruce

Picea abies

Decomposes its fallen wood

depends on

Scots Pine

Pinus sylvestris

Breaks down dead branches

Traits

Deciduous

Discover the magic of plants that shed all their leaves during a particular season, often putting on a spectacular show of fall colors first. They get ready for a fresh start!

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.