Western Jack-O-Lantern (Omphalotus olivascens) mushrooms
This is a cluster of Western Jack-O-Lantern (Omphalotus olivascens) mushrooms growing from the base of a dead Coast Live Oak (Quercus agrifolia, Fagaceae) tree in the woods. (*Sigh* The tree is probably drought-dead.) There's more of them in the shadows. These mushrooms are quite poisonous, so don't eat them. I can't imagine why anyone would confuse them with edible Chanterelle mushrooms when they are massed like this, but I've been fooled for a moment by solitary specimens growing from buried wood. The possible greenish tint, rubbery texture, and sharp gill edges should settle it. These mushrooms are slightly bioluminescence - see this interesting photo by Michelle C. Torres-Grant. I still want to try that! (San Marcos Pass, 1 January 2019)
Western Jack-O-Lantern (Omphalotus olivascens) mushrooms
This is a cluster of Western Jack-O-Lantern (Omphalotus olivascens) mushrooms growing from the base of a dead Coast Live Oak (Quercus agrifolia, Fagaceae) tree in the woods. (*Sigh* The tree is probably drought-dead.) There's more of them in the shadows. These mushrooms are quite poisonous, so don't eat them. I can't imagine why anyone would confuse them with edible Chanterelle mushrooms when they are massed like this, but I've been fooled for a moment by solitary specimens growing from buried wood. The possible greenish tint, rubbery texture, and sharp gill edges should settle it. These mushrooms are slightly bioluminescence - see this interesting photo by Michelle C. Torres-Grant. I still want to try that! (San Marcos Pass, 1 January 2019)