Crown-tipped Coral

(Artomyces pyxidatus)

Conservation Status
Crown-tipped Coral
Photo by Kirk Nelson
  IUCN Red List

not listed

 
  NatureServe

NNR - Unranked

 
  Minnesota

not listed

 
           
           
           
           
           
 
Description
 
 

Crown-tipped Coral is a very common and widespread coral fungus in eastern North America. It is saprobic, obtaining nutrients from rotting wood. It grows alone or in groups on dead, well rotted wood of hardwoods, especially aspen, willow, maple, and cottonwood.

The fruiting body is repeatedly branched, 2 to 4¾ high, and ¾ to 3 wide. Numerous branches rise from a common base, and these branches are again branched in tiers from their broadened tip. Secondary branches emerge at right angles from primary branches, giving the fungus the appearance of a candelabra. Spores are produced by cells (basidia) lining the outer surface of the upright branches.

The base or “trunk” is to 1¼ long, less than thick, and colored similar to the branches.

The branches are 1 32 to 3 16thick and pale whitish to pale yellow at first, becoming pale tan to grayish-brown or pinkish as they age. The ultimate tip of each branch is a crown-like fringed cup with 3 to 6 points. Occasionally the tips will be brown.

The flesh is tough and pliable, not brittle. It is edible but tough and stringy.

 
     
 

Similar Species

 
     
     
 
Habitat and Hosts
 
 

Dead wood of hardwoods, especially aspen, willow, maple, and cottonwood

 
     
 
Ecology
 
 

Season

 
 

Spring through fall

 
     
 
Distribution
 
 

Distribution Map

 

Sources: 4, 7, 24, 26, 29, 30, 77.

 
  7/25/2022      
         
 

Occurrence

 
 

Common and widespread

 
         
 
Taxonomy
 
  Kingdom Fungi (fungi)  
  Subkingdom Dikarya  
  Phylum Basidiomycota (club fungi)  
  Subphylum Agaricomycotina (jelly fungi, yeasts, and mushrooms)  
  Class Agaricomycetes (mushrooms, bracket fungi, puffballs, and allies)  
  Subclass Agaricomycetidae  
  Order Russulales  
  Family Auriscalpiaceae  
  Genus Artomyces  
       
 

This fungus was formerly classified as Clavicorona pyxidata. In 1981, W. Jülich suggested that this it should be placed in a separate genus based on morphological features. Subsequent DNA analysis supported his conclusion, and in 1982 it was moved with several other species into the new genus Artomyces.

 
       
 

Synonyms

 
 

Clavicorona pyxidata

 
       
 

Common Names

 
 

Crown Coral

Crown-tipped Coral

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Glossary

Basidium

A microscopic, club-shaped structure on the underside of the cap of club fungi that produces spores.

 

Saprobic

A term often used for saprotrophic fungi. Referring to fungi that obtain their nutrients from decayed organic matter.

 
 
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Alfredo Colon

 
    Crown-tipped Coral   Crown-tipped Coral  
 

Honey Fae (Farah)

 
    Crown-tipped Coral   Crown-tipped Coral  
 

James Towns and Damara Dragun

 
    Crown-tipped Coral   Crown-tipped Coral  
           
    Crown-tipped Coral      
 

Janet G.

 
 

Thanks for helping me identify this amazing and interesting fungi!

 
    Crown-tipped Coral      
 

Tim Tupy

 
 

Tree line along the Big Cobb River

 
    Crown-tipped Coral      
 

Kirk Nelson

 
 

Fort Snelling State Park

 
    Crown-tipped Coral      
           
 

Crosby Farm Regional Park

 
    Crown-tipped Coral      
           
 
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slideshow

       
 
Visitor Videos
 
       
 

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Other Videos
 
  On Crown-Tipped Coral Mushrooms
The Richest Fare
 
   
 
About

Published on Nov 22, 2016

In this video I give a brief overview of the Crown-Tipped Coral as a wild edible mushroom.

Go to therichestfare.com for more about real food, healthy living and spiritual encouragement.

   
  Crown Tipped Coral Fungi / Artomyces pyxidatus
The Roaming Gnome...Glenn Munro!
 
   
 
About

Published on May 13, 2016

Coral like mushroom, yellowish - tan with branched with crown tips...growing on fallen deciduous trees. On trees....not on ground. Usually from June to September. Formerly known as Clavicorona pyxidata. Peppery taste....Edibility Rating is 2 with caution.

PERSONAL CONFIRMATION - mild peppery, used in soup after sun dried.

   
  Hunting Crown-Tipped Coral Mushrooms with The Mushroom Hunter
Don King
 
   
 
About

Published on Mar 7, 2012

Hi! I'm Don King, The Mushroom Hunter, and thanks for checking out my videos!

Join me as I explain how to find and identify Crown-Tipped Coral Mushrooms (Clavicorona pyxidata)

Please visit http://themushroomhunter.com for more videos, pics and mushroom bumper stickers!

   
  Crown-tipped coral fungus
Doctor Mushroom - Natural Healing
 
   
 
About

Published on May 19, 2016

Artomyces pyxidatus) Edible, with good peppery taste. Grows on wood. The coral fungus which grows on ground is usually not edible.

These videos are for educational purposes, not to promote any product or service. Always confirm ID's using multiple sources. Dr. Mushroom assumes no liability for misidentification (by you or him), or incomplete or otherwise incorrect information. A short video should serve to stimulate interest, and prod you to seek out more complete information.

   
  Clavicorona pyxidata, the crown tipped coral fungus
olddenimguy
 
   
 
About

Published on Aug 17, 2012

Large coral fungi display discovered in Gun Plain Township, Michigan.

   

 

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Visitor Sightings
 
           
 

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  Kelsey
6/3/2023

Location: Lyle, MN

deciduous forest, growing on downed log

 
  Alfredo Colon
8/25/2022

Location: Albany, NY

Crown-tipped Coral  
  Honey Fae (Farah)
7/24/2022

Location: Hennepin County

Crown-tipped Coral  
  Honey Fae (Farah)
6/12/2022

Location: Hennepin County

Crown-tipped Coral  
  Apricity Apricity
Fall 2021

Location: Martin County, Fairmont, MN

 
  Janet G.
10/6/2017

Location: University of Minnesota Landscape Arboretum

Crown-tipped Coral  
  Janet G.
10/6/2017

Location: East Bethel, Minnesota, our back yard near our deck and patio, on a rotting log

Thanks for helping me identify this amazing and interesting fungi!

Crown-tipped Coral  
  Tim Tupy
8/18/2017

Location: Blue Earth, MN

Tree line along the Big Cobb River

Crown-tipped Coral  
  Kirk Nelson
7/1/2017

Location: Fort Snelling State Park

Crown-tipped Coral  
  Kirk Nelson
6/30/2017

Location: Crosby Farm Regional Park

Crown-tipped Coral  
           
 
MinnesotaSeasons.com Sightings
 
   

 

 

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Created: 7/4/2017

Last Updated:

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