Winter Mushrooms: Cold-Season Fungi to Look For
By Palina Balcevič, MSc in Biological Sciences
Which fungi can you find in winter? This seasonal gallery highlights conspicuous mushrooms and other fungi that may be observed during colder months. Fruiting varies by climate, weather, habitat, and hemisphere, and several of these species can appear at other times of year.
Often overlooked, winter fungi offer a chance to appreciate their resilience and diversity against the season's faded hues.
Split gills and winter jelly fungi
Schizophyllum commune is one of the most widespread fungi globally and thrives year-round. At first glance, it may seem unremarkable, but it can be quite beautiful, forming abundant growths on wood that resemble lace or frost patterns. Beneath the cap are radial folds resembling gills, each centrally split, giving it the name "split gill." These splits are an adaptation to changing environmental conditions.
Tremella mesenterica, commonly known as witch's butter or yellow brain, is a widespread fungus with captivating, bright-yellow, jelly-like fruit bodies. This adaptable species emerges throughout the year in damp habitats, growing parasitically on the mycelium of wood-rotting corticioid fungi.
An equally intriguing relative of the previous species is Naematelia aurantia. This species is also widely distributed, primarily in northern temperate regions. It is a parasitic fungus that thrives on Stereum hirsutum, often covering the host basidiocarps entirely. Typically located on dead, attached, or recently fallen branches of broadleaf trees, it closely follows its host's distribution.
Auricularia auricula-judae, commonly known as jelly ear, is a fungus recognized for its distinctive ear-like shape. Found on decaying wood, especially elder trees, it features a unique gelatinous texture. Apart from its interesting appearance, the fungus has a fascinating cultural history.
Exidia glandulosa, commonly known as warty jelly fungus or black witches' butter, is recognized for its dark brown to black, irregularly shaped fruiting bodies that resemble small, warty cushions. This fungus often appears on dead wood, especially on branches of deciduous trees. While not edible, Exidia glandulosa plays an important ecological role by contributing to the decomposition of organic matter in forest ecosystems.
Phyllotopsis nidulans, commonly known as the mock oyster, presents a fascinating contradiction. Its velvety or hairy cap, often displaying vibrant colors ranging from orange to salmon-pink, is accompanied by an unexpected aroma reminiscent of rotting cabbage or decaying eggs.
Dacrymyces stillatus, commonly referred to as jelly spot fungus, is recognized for its small, jelly-like fruiting bodies that appear as tiny spots on decaying wood, especially coniferous logs and branches. These fruiting bodies can range in color from yellow to orange, giving them a distinctive and eye-catching appearance. D. stillatus is often encountered in cool, damp environments. While it might not be a mushroom in the traditional sense, this fungus plays an ecological role by aiding in the decomposition of wood.
Cramp balls and scarlet cups
The following two intriguing species share the common name cramp balls. At first glance, they may appear quite similar—dark spheres on wood. However, upon closer inspection, one can observe that Annulohypoxylon thouarsianum has a coarser and rougher surface. A distinguishing feature of Daldinia concentrica is its internal structure, reflected in its name: the flesh of the fruiting body is organized in concentric layers, resembling the annual rings of a tree.
Sarcoscypha coccinea, or scarlet elf cup, captivates with its vivid red or orange cup-shaped fruiting bodies, creating a stunning spectacle in damp woodlands during late winter and early spring. Found on decaying wood, particularly fallen branches, this fungus adds a vibrant touch to the forest floor.
Hair ice and other winter curiosities
The most wintry fungus you can encounter in the forest is undoubtedly Exidiopsis effusa. Hair ice is a fascinating natural phenomenon where fine, silky hairs of ice form on dead wood. Strictly speaking, these "hairs" are not part of the fungus itself but are caused by fungal activity that influences the formation of ice crystals.
Auriscalpium vulgare, or earpick fungus, is intriguing for several reasons. First, its appearance is quite amusing: the stem sits off-center on the cap, and the lower surface is toothed. Second, these fungi prefer pinecones as their substrate. Even if a mushroom seems to be growing from the soil, the pinecone may simply be buried underground.
The appearance of Punctularia atropurpurascens can be confusing and may even seem menacing to some. The red droplets on the fluffy surface of the fungus are aqueous exudate containing the metabolic products of the mushroom.
Winter fungi in Australia and the Southern Hemisphere
For readers experiencing winter in the Southern Hemisphere, especially in Australia, the following species are additional cool-season examples. Fruiting periods vary across regions and from year to year.
Cyptotrama asprata, or scruffy scalycap, looks bright and attractive in its mature stage, but you'll be especially lucky if you encounter the young fruiting body, as it appears exceptionally cute and charming.
Slightly reminiscent of the previous species in its "hairstyle," but far more sinister-looking, Boletellus emodensis is commonly known as shaggy cap. This fungus has a favorite partner—eucalyptus trees—with which it forms mycorrhizal associations.
The striking Phallus multicolor can be a rewarding winter find. Like those of other stinkhorns, its fruiting bodies are very short-lived because they are quickly consumed by insects attracted to the strong odor. Therefore, consider yourself lucky if you find this mushroom at its best, covered by a veil.
Another species that can fruit during the cool season is Colus pusillus. Despite its highly original appearance, it is a relative of the previous species and also belongs to the stinkhorns, hence its common names craypot stinkhorn and basket stinkhorn.
Winter can reveal a surprising variety of fungi—if you know where to look. Happy hunting!