Artomyces pyxidatus

Image credits: Mira Polishook.

Taxonomic classification: Fungi > Basidiomycetes > Russulales Auriscalpiaceae > Artomyces > Artomyces pyxidatus

Authorities: (Pers.) Jülichoncalvo & S.L. Stephenson

Common name: crown-tipped coral fungus

Description: White to pale yellow coraloid fungus, darkening with age. 4-13 cm high, 2-10 cm, wide with heavy branching. Branch tips are distinctly crowned, with many individual points which turn brown with age. A. pyxidatus often grows in large clusters with many fruiting bodies growing near each other.

Ecology: Ecology is saprotrophic, especially on hardwood logs such as tulip poplar. Found in spring, summer, and fall, mainly in the eastern U.S.or gregariously. Associated with tulip trees, ashes, and hickories.