(Very much branched or of an irregular form without a distinct margin.)
H. coralloi´des Scop. (Plate [CXXXIV].) 6–18 in. across. Tufts on wood. Pure shining white growing yellow with age, composed wholly of attenuated interlacing branches ½ in. at base, tapering to a point. Spines growing from one side of the branches, 3–4 lines in length, awl-shaped.
Spores globose, 4–6µ diameter Massee.
Peck, Rep. 22; Indiana, H.I. Miller; Massachusetts, Sprague; California; West Virginia, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, McIlvaine.
Edible. Curtis.
Grows upon standing and fallen timber which is attacked by decay. Fir, oak, beech, ash, birch, hickory and other trees are inhabited by it. August to frost.
This beautiful species can not be mistaken for any other. Its name is the best guide to its identification. Dame Nature has made many exquisite decorations for herself and this is one of them.
It is generally eaten, but is rare. Professor Peck speaks affectionately of it as a gratuitous adjunct to his bill of fare when on botanical tramps in the Adirondacks.
H. caput-ur´si Fr.—bear-head. 6–8 in. high, 6–8 in. across. Tufts usually pendulous, compact, white, becoming yellow and brownish. Spines up to 1 in. long, round, pointed. Branches in every direction, short.
Closely resembling H. coralloides and in small forms with shorter spines easily mistaken for it. Position of growth has much to do with its shape and appearance. On fallen timber the branchlets and spines may be erect.