Cantharellus cascadensis
Mycol. Res. 107(10): 1171. 2003.
Common Name: chanterelle
For description see Dunham et al.
Scattered to gregarious in coniferous forests, especially Douglas fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii) and western hemlock (Tsuga heterophylla). Common from Mendocino county north and the Sierra Nevada mountains.
Edible and excellent.
Cantharellus cascadensis is distinguished by its bright yellow cap, wavy cap margin, pallid underside, and growth with conifers. There are several similar chanterelle species in California. Cantharellus subalbidus has a creamy white cap. Cantharellus formosus has a yellowish-orange cap with ochraceous scales. Cantharellus roseocanus has a cap with pinkish tones when young and bright peach to orange gills. Cantharellus californicus grows with oak.
Dunham, S.M., O'dell, T.E. & Molina, R. (2003). Analysis of nrDNA sequences and microsatellite allele frequencies reveals a cryptic chanterelle species Cantharellus cascadensis sp. nov. from the American Pacific Northwest. Mycological Research 107(10): 1163-1177. (Protologue) (Abstract) (PDF)
Siegel, N. & Schwarz, C. (2016). Mushrooms of the Redwood Coast. Ten Speed Press: Berkeley, CA. 601 p.
Siegel, N. & Schwarz, C. (2024). Mushrooms of Cascadia: A Comprehensive Guide to the Fungi of the Pacific Northwest. Backcountry Press: Keeland, CA. 576 p.
