Missouri Department of Conservation
Home » Discover Nature » Field Guide

Golden Chanterelle (Girolle)

Cantharellus cibarius
Family: 
Cantharellaceae
Description: 

Bright orange to yellow cap with wavy margins; underside with orange-yellow, forked ridges (not true gills) that descend the stalk. Grows in soil. Late June to early August. Cap convex, becoming flat to funnel shaped, sunken in center, sometimes flowerlike; orange to orange-yellow; texture smooth. Underside orange to yellow, with narrow, thick-edged ridges that are forked and cross-veined, and descend the stalk; does not have true gills. Stalk can be curved or off-center; orange to yellowish to whitish; texture smooth; flesh is white. Spore print pinkish yellow. Spores magnified are elliptical, smooth.

Lookalikes: The poisonous jack-'o-lantern (Omphalotus illudens) grows clustered on stumps or buried wood, has close, sharp-edged gills, and fruits in the fall. The hedgehog (Hydnum repandum) has a toothed underside. The smooth chanterelle (Cantharellus lateritius) is smooth on the underside.

Size: 
Cap width: ½–6 inches; stalk length: 1–3 inches; stalk width: ½–1 inch.
Habitat and conservation: 
Grows singly or in groups of up to many in moss, leaves, and grass, on paths, and under oaks. The habitat for both the golden chanterelle (this species) and the smooth chanterelle (Cantharellus lateritius) is the same, and both are equally delicious. In Missouri, we see more of the smooth chanterelle.
Distribution in Missouri: 
Statewide.
Status: 
A choice edible mushroom—with caution. Take care not to confuse chanterelles with the jack-'o-lantern. Chanterelles are best preserved by sautéing in butter with a little onion and freezing in plastic zip bags. This is probably the most popular edible mushroom in the world. Some people think that chanterelles smell like apricots.
Life cycle: 
This species is mycorrhizal: It exists as a network of cells (mycelium) connected to fine tree roots, in a symbiotic relationship with the tree (not growing out of woody portions). This species is particularly associated with oaks. When ready to reproduce, the mycelium develops the mushroom, which is the reproductive structure. Spores are produced under the cap and are released to begin new mycelia elsewhere. The mycelium of a mushroom can live for decades.
Human connections: 
Humans have eaten mushrooms for thousands of years. Chanterelles are especially prized for their culinary value. "Chanterelle" comes from the French, who also call it "girolle"; both names are used in English. Germans call it "pfifferling," the Italians "finferli," and the Russians "lisichki."
Ecosystem connections: 
This is one of the many fungus species that help nourish forest trees through a symbiotic connection with tree roots: The netlike fibers of the fungus multiply the roots' ability for absorbing water and nutrients. In return, the tree shares nutrients with the fungus.

Related Information

  • Chanterelles

    Chanterelles are funnel- or trumpet-shaped and have wavy cap edges. Most are bright orange or yellow, although one, the black trumpet, is brownish black.

  • Smooth Chanterelle

    The smooth chanterelle has a bright orange to yellow cap, wavy margins, and is smooth on the underside. It grows singly or in groups of up to very many in the soil.

  • Chanterelle Recipes

    Freshly picked chanterelles are the best to eat and can be used in many recipes.

  • Jack-o’-Lantern

    Jack-o’-lanterns are bright orange to yellowish orange, with sharp-edged gills that descend the stalk. They grow in clusters, at the base of stumps, and from buried roots of oak and other deciduous wood.

External Links

  • Missouri Mycological Society

    The Missouri Mycological Society (MOMS) is an organization of individuals and families dedicated to the study and enjoyment of mushrooms.

Other Content You May Like

  • Black Trumpet (Horn of Plenty; Black Chanterelle; Trumpet of the Dead)

    The black trumpet is dark brown to black, vase- or trumpet-shaped, with a wavy margin and no gills. It grows in groups of few to many on rocky, mossy hillsides in deciduous woods.

  • Smooth Chanterelle

    The smooth chanterelle has a bright orange to yellow cap, wavy margins, and is smooth on the underside. It grows singly or in groups of up to very many in the soil.

  • Chanterelles

    Chanterelles are funnel- or trumpet-shaped and have wavy cap edges. Most are bright orange or yellow, although one, the black trumpet, is brownish black.

  • Cinnabar Chanterelle

    The cinnabar chanterelle is a small, reddish orange, vase-shaped mushroom with forked ridges on the underside that descend the stalk. It grows in the soil.

  • Chanterelle Garnish for Grilled Meats

    Add to the savor of a freshly grilled steak or chop—garnish it with fresh chanterelle mushrooms!

  • Deep Fried Chanterelles

    Enhance the experience of fresh chanterelle mushrooms by frying them a beautiful golden brown!

  • Chanterelle Omelet

    What's better than an omelet for breakfast? One made with fresh chanterelles!

MDC's Mission, Vision, Priorities

MDC protects and manages Missouri's fish, forest, and wildlife resources.

We also facilitate your participation in resource-management activities, and we provide opportunities for you to use, enjoy and learn about nature.

Find out more

don't move firewood
Shortened URL
http://mdc.mo.gov/node/20773
Serving Nature and You

MDC protects and manages Missouri's fish, forest, and wildlife resources.
We also facilitate your participation in resource-management activities, and we provide opportunities for you to use, enjoy and learn about nature.

Featured Pic

Check out the featured picture and other images at the MDC Media Gallery

Visit the media gallery
Popular Topics

Follow MDC on Twitter Facebook YouTube Flickr Pinterest Slideshare MDC RSS feeds

© 2013 Conservation Commission of Missouri. All rights reserved.