Species of the Month – October: Yellow Stagshorn

Yellow Stagshorn Calocera viscosa

The vibrant Yellow Stagshorn Calocera viscosa is a distinctive and common autumn fungus. Reaching up to 10cm tall, the species gets its common name from the fruiting body’s antler-like ‘branches’ which often forked at the tip. It is deep yellow, sometimes approaching orange, in colour and clusters can appear coral-like in appearance. Fruiting bodies can be found throughout the year, but are most common in autumn. This fungus is saproptrophic — an organism which feeds on dead and decaying organic matter. Yellow Stagshorn typically grows on the decaying stumps and roots of pine and spruce, and as such it is commonly found in conifer plantations in SW Scotland, where it is a shining beacon in what can often be an uninspiring habitat for wildlife. It can sometimes occur where wood chippings made from these softwoods are used.

Whilst there are other species of yellow fungi with upright coral- or spindle-like fruiting bodies, these typically grow in grassland habitats; the forked ‘branches’, presence of conifers and the decaying wood substrate are useful confirmation of this species identity.

Mark Pollitt

SWSEIC Manager