TOXIC: Ramaria formosa causes gastrointestinal distress including nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and colicky abdominal pain. While rarely life-threatening, symptoms can be severe and unpleasant. Do not consume this mushroom.
Beautiful Coral is an attractive but toxic coral fungus 10-20 cm tall and 10-15 cm wide. The fruitbody consists of numerous upright branches from a thick white to pale base. The branches are salmon-pink to peachy-orange when young, becoming more orange-yellow with age. When bruised or handled, the flesh yellows distinctly (diagnostic feature). The branch tips are typically yellow. The branching is dense and intricate. The flesh is white to pale yellow, brittle, often with an unpleasant odor. Despite the name, this is not edible.
| Family | Unknown |
|---|---|
| Genus | Ramaria |
| Edibility | Edible* |
| Toxicity | unknown |
| Season | Aug-Nov |
| Habitat | Found in hardwood and mixed forests, forming mycorrhizal associations with oak, beech, and other deciduous trees. Grows terrestrially from soil, typically in rich humus. Fruits scattered to gregarious. Prefers mature forests with good organic soil. Common in leaf litter. |
| Region | Europe (widespread), Eastern North America (common), Pacific Northwest (occasional), California (rare), Temperate deciduous forests, Particularly common in the Northeast |
Habitat: Found in hardwood and mixed forests, forming mycorrhizal associations with oak, beech, and other deciduous trees. Grows terrestrially from soil, typically in rich humus. Fruits scattered to gregarious. Prefers mature forests with good organic soil. Common in leaf litter.
Region: Europe (widespread), Eastern North America (common), Pacific Northwest (occasional), California (rare), Temperate deciduous forests, Particularly common in the Northeast
Late summer through fall (August-November) in most regions. In Europe, primarily August-October. Peak fruiting in early to mid-fall. Requires warm soil followed by consistent fall moisture.
Typical months: Aug-Nov
Always verify identification to avoid these similar species. The differentiator is the point — learn the one or two tells that separate them:
golden-yellow, does not yellow when bruised
pink-tipped but white/yellow base, no yellowing reaction
pale yellow throughout, no salmon-pink tones
many similar toxic and edible species
Pin the patch before you leave it. Coordinates, photos, and field notes stay on your device — and the offline lookalike guide travels with you into the deep woods.
Download Mushroom TrackerDisclaimer: This guide is for educational purposes only. Never consume a wild mushroom unless you are 100% certain of its identification.