EPOW - Ecology Picture of the Week

Scaly Vase Chanterelle (Gomphus floccosus),
Family Cantharellaceae, Order Aphyllophorales
Cascade Mountains, Washington State, USA

Explanation:  Here is a good warning lesson about not picking wild mushrooms to eat unless you are an expert.

Many of us know that wild chanterelle mushrooms are utterly delicious, sought after, and bring a good market price.  But ... how many of us realize that "chanterelle" is a general term for this entire mushroom family, not just one species.  The botanical family Cantharellaceae includes four genera (Cantharellus, Craterellus, Gomphus, and Polyozellus) and many species.  The "classic" chanterelle typically sought for its taste is the species Chanterelle cibarius. 

The photo above, however, is not that species.  It is Scaly Vase Chanterelle, Gomphus floccosus, which can occur in the same area as the more edible species, and, to the uninitiated, can look very similar.  Moreover, mushroom guides note that Scaly Vase Chanterelle contains an indigestible acid and can be sour and unpalatable, although it is eaten by some people.  

More important, the classic chanterelle also has look-alikes that are toxic, especially the Jack O'Lantern (Omphalotus olearius).

So the lesson is, unless you're a true expert on these species, don't pick and don't eat.