Chanterelles

I was amazed one spring afternoon when I looked down and saw all of these little button type mushrooms underneath me.

The Chanterelle Mushroom is another easy to identify mushroom.  I find them, in Vermont, from April through June.They are easy to see and usually where there is one Chanterelle, there are many. 

small chanterelles just beginning.
photo by Kelly Gardner

How to identify:

• Grow on the ground 
• About 2 to 3 inches tall and caps are two to four inches across. 
• Some say they have the distinct smell of apricots. 
• Almost funnel shaped, but with a solid top. 
• Flat but wavy cap.
• They have ridges that continue down the stem. (review picture below carefully). The ridges must be clearly visible. 

The picture below is not an edible chanterelle mushroom as described above. Notice that is looks hollow. 

Photo by Ruth Turner

Make sure you spend a little time studying a mushroom that has ridges and a mushroom that has gills.

People have mistaken the chanterelle for the poisonous Jack-o-lantern mushroom. 

Always be 100% certain when collecting mushrooms. 

Once you have studied these mushrooms you will find them quite easily.