Black Trumpet (Craterellus cornucopioides) — identification, habitat & look-alikes

The horn of plenty, also known as the black trumpet, is a black, trumpet-shaped edible mushroom prized in Europe. The black trumpets Americans pick are now treated as separate close relatives, the eastern black trumpet (Craterellus fallax) and the California black trumpet (C. calicornucopioides), so it is unclear whether the true species grows in the US at all.

Appearance

Appearance: A thin, hollow funnel about 2–4.5 in (5–11 cm) tall and up to about 3 in (8 cm) across, with no separate cap and stem. The inside is black to dark gray; the outside is paler gray, smooth or with shallow wrinkles instead of true gills.

Look-alikes

Eastern black trumpetCraterellus fallax

Nearly identical by eye. A tells them apart: pale pinkish orange to ocher in the eastern black trumpet, white to cream in the European horn of plenty. The underside of the eastern species often turns salmon-colored as it matures.

Why they get mixed upIt was long sold and listed in the US under the European name.

California black trumpetCraterellus calicornucopioides

Found on the West Coast, mainly in northern California and southern Oregon, under conifers and oaks such as tanoak. It is a bit sturdier than the eastern black trumpet and has a whitish to creamy spore print.

Why they get mixed upIt was called by the European name until it was described as its own species in 2015.

Where it lives

Typical habitats: Broadleaf woods
Mossy forest floor
Range: Known from Europe, East Asia (including Japan and Korea), and Australia. Most black trumpets in the United States are now treated as other species, so whether the true horn of plenty grows there is unsettled.
Preferred conditions: In Europe it grows mainly under beech, oak, and other broadleaf trees, often in groups in moist, mossy spots.

Cautions

Cautions: Considered a choice edible in Europe. Dried, it takes on a truffle-like aroma and can be crumbled as a seasoning.

Conservation

IUCN Red List: LCLeast ConcernLow risk of extinction

Culture and stories

Culture and stories: The French name trompette de la mort means "trumpet of the dead."

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