Jack-o-lantern mushroom is in the Marasmiaceae family and is a North American species of fungus. It 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
Curated pairwise relationships between this plant and others in the library — who feeds
whom, who competes, who confuses the pests. Green reads as a good pairing, red as one to avoid.
No curated interactions recorded for this species yet.
Also noted by NC State
Related species the NC State Plant Toolbox flags for this plant — look-alikes to tell
apart, and plants that play a similar role in a planting. Ones we carry in the library are linked.
Patient experiences severe stomach ache, headache, sweating , nausea, exhaustion, vomiting, bitter taste, salivation, and a cold feeling. Onset of symptoms is usually 1-3 hours after ingestion. Most patients recover in 5-6 days.