The Cinnabar Cantharellus. Edible.
Figure 161.—Cantharellus cinnabarinus. Cap and stem cinnibar-red, flesh white. Natural size.
Cinnabarinus means cinnabar-red, from the color of the plant.
The pileus is firm, convex, or slightly depressed in the center, often irregular with wavy or lobed margin; glabrous, cinnabar-red, flesh white.
The gills are narrow, distant, branched, decurrent, of the same color as the cap, dull on the edge.
The stem is equal or tapering downward, glabrous, solid, sometimes stuffed, cinnabar-red.
The spores are elliptical, 8–10µ long, 4–5µ broad.
No one will have any difficulty in identifying this plant, since its color suggests the name at once. It is quite common about Chillicothe and throughout the state. It is found frequently with Craterellus cantharellus. It is a very pretty plant, growing in open woods or along the roadside in woods. It will keep for some time after it is gathered. It is found from July to October.