Pacific Golden Chanterelle

Cantharellus formosus

✓ Edible

Always verify identification with multiple features before consuming

Cap color: yellow,orange
Cap size: medium
Gill color: yellow,cream
Gill attachment: decurrent
Stem: Yellow, solid; no ring
Texture: smooth
Habitat: forest floor
Fruiting season: fall
Peak season: September–January (PNW), peak Oct–Nov

Key Identification Features

Bright egg-yolk yellow cap (4–15 cm), false forking ridges (not true gills) running down the stem, firm white flesh, fruity apricot aroma. Stem same color as cap. Grows with Douglas-fir and hemlock in PNW old-growth and second-growth forests.

Preparation Notes

Premier PNW edible. Sauté in butter, add to pasta, soups. Do not overboil. Dries well.

Regions Found

Region data not available

Look-Alikes

No documented look-alikes on record.

Safety disclaimer: This page is for educational purposes only. Never eat a wild mushroom based solely on online information. Always verify identification using multiple reliable field guides and, when possible, consult an experienced forager or mycologist. When in doubt, don't eat it. Spore & Scout accepts no responsibility for identification errors or adverse reactions.