Cantharellus californicus
Cantharellus californicus, sometimes called the mud puppy or oak chanterelle, is a fungus native to California, United States. It is a member of the genus "Cantharellus" along with other popular edible chanterelles. It is generally similar in appearance to "C. cibarius" and "C. formosus" except for its large size at maturity; individual specimens larger than are reported, making it the largest known species of chanterelle. Their unusual size is due in part to their capacity for indeterminate growth, making "Cantharellus californicus" specimens actively grow for far longer than most other mushrooms. Description. The pileus (cap) of "C. californicus  is wide or greater (, and yellow-orange in color although adhering leaf litter may cause a mottled color; may become brownish with age. The hymenium is folded into decurrent ridges (false gills) and cross-veins, which deepen with age. The color of these ridges is usually similar to the pileus but paler. The stipe (stem) is long and wide, with coloration similar to the hymenium. The spores are creamy yellow, elliptical, and smooth. Distribution and habitat. Cantharellus californicus" forms a mycorrhizal association with oaks, particularly coast live oak in the woodlands of Coastal California. It has also been found in  association with interior live oak, California black oak, canyon live oak, tanoak, and possibly Pacific madrone and manzanita. "C. californicus" is a popular wild edible in the San Francisco Bay Area, and is most common between November and April. Similar species. Several other species of chanterelle may be found in western North America: Additionally, "Hygrophoropsis aurantiaca", "Chroogomphus tomentosus", and species in the genera "Craterellus", "Gomphus", "Omphalotus", and "Polyozellus" may have a somewhat similar appearance to "C. californicus". "Omphalotus olivascens", the western jack-o'-lantern mushroom, is poisonous and has been mistaken for chanterelles.