Horn Of Plenty

How To ID Me And What I’m Good For?

My ID Features:

Hollow Stem / Stipe

In Situ

A much lighter shade of grey on the outside.

They can usually be found growing in large numbers.

Horn Of Plenty

Latin Name - Craterellus Cornucopioides

Common names - Horn Of Plenty, Black Chanterelle, Black Trumpet, Trompette De La Mort, Trombetta Dei Morti, Trumpet Of The Dead, Djondjon.

Family - Cantharellaceae.

Season - Late Summer / Autumn.

Spore print - Cream.

Habitat - It mainly grows under beech, oak or other broad-leaved deciduous trees. Being a particular lover of moss, in moist spots on heavy calcareous soil. Often found growing amongst Winter Chanterelle [Craterellus Tubaeformis] in the same environments.

Possible Confusion - Perhaps Witches Butter [Exidia glandulosa], except this mushroom grows from wood. Some guides report as edible and some not.

Picture of Witches Butter [Credit]

There really isn’t much you could confuse this very striking mushroom with. A perfect beginners fungi. There is another member of the chanterelle family which looks similar in appearance called Cantharellus Cinereus, the ashen chanterelle. This is equally edible and much prefers conifer forests.

Equally, the Fire Site Funnel [Faerberia carbonaria], said to be edible. Yet not a choice mushroom. A fungi we’re yet to come across.

Fire Site Funnel [Source] As you can see, looks very different.

Description - It took me many years searching for this mushroom. They’re incredibly hard to spot amongst the leaf litter. Admittedly, I’d been looking in all the wrong places. After reading Lisa Cutcliffe’s success finding them growing with Winter Chanterelle. I instantly knew a spot I’d seen Winter Chanterelle growing amongst Beech trees, the year previous. Lo and behold they were there!

I’d been using these mushrooms professionally in kitchens for some time. There is nothing like finding your own. They do look somewhat ominous upon first sight and don’t scream eat me! But don’t be fooled.

Their flavour is rich, smoky, earthy and fruity. These mushrooms are especially potent and full of flavor. They’re equally as potent dried. They can be somewhat bitter if used in large quantities, so moderation is a must.

Physical Characteristics - The fruiting body (mushroom) does not have a separation into stalk and cap, it is shaped like a funnel expanded at the top. Looking much like a black trumpet, hence the name. The upper and inner surface is black or dark grey and the somewhat smooth outer surface is a lighter shade of grey.

Harvesting Sustainability - Don’t take them all. Leave some to go to spore.

Medicinal Qualities - They contain fatty acids, phenols, flavonoids, vitamin C and vitamin B1.

Important note - Due to nature of these mushrooms growing close to the ground. Be sure to pick away from human and animal ‘interaction’.

Never munch on a hunch! Volf takes no responsibility for anything consumed.

Now For The Tasty Bit!

Here Are Our Delicious Recipes…