Jack-O-Lantern Omphalotus illudens

Jack-o-lantern mushroom is quite noticeable due to its orange color, size, and occurrence in clusters near trees or stumps. It is most commonly found in forests or natural areas, sometimes in urban areas. It appears in clusters of up to 15-20 mushrooms usually at the base of living oaks or from stumps or buried wood (roots), occasionally on other deciduous trees.

It is easy to identify with its bright orange cap with a central bump, the gills run down the stem and are bioluminescent while the spore print is white.  Commonly seen in the fall. Many older field guides erroneously identify our North American species as O. olearius, but subsequent studies have shown it is a different species.

While it resembles chanterelle mushrooms jack-o-lantern mushrooms are poisonous and should not be consumed.  

Quick ID:

• Cap: Orange to yellow-orange, up to 4 inches in diameter
• Gills: Yellow-orange, decurrent on the stalk
• Stalk: Orange to yellow-orange, usually curved
• Annulus: None
• Spore Print: White