Cantharellus quercophilus is a species of chanterelle fungus that grows in association with oak trees. In East and Central Texas, it typically fruits from May to October, often in clusters on the ground in wooded areas with abundant oak cover. The cap is 2-6 cm wide, funnel-shaped, and wavy, with a yellow to orange-yellow color and wrinkled, veined surface. The flesh is thin and white, with a fruity, apricot-like aroma. The stem is cylindrical, often curved, and has a similar color to the cap. It is considered a choice edible mushroom in the region.
Chanterelle mushrooms Cantharellus quercophilus under small cedar elm trees and oaks in Washington-on-the-Brazos State Historic Site. Washington, Texas, July 6, 2019 23200 Park Rd, Washington, TX 77880, USA
Underside of chanterelle mushrooms Cantharellus quercophilus under small cedar elm trees and oaks in Washington-on-the-Brazos State Historic Site. Washington, Texas, July 6, 2019 23200 Park Rd, Washington, TX 77880, USA
Pair of chanterelle mushrooms Cantharellus quercophilus under small cedar elm trees and oaks in Washington-on-the-Brazos State Historic Site. Washington, Texas, July 6, 2019 23200 Park Rd, Washington, TX 77880, USA
Drab yellow chanterelle mushrooms Cantharellus quercophilus under small cedar elm trees and oaks in Washington-on-the-Brazos State Historic Site. Washington, Texas, July 6, 2019 23200 Park Rd, Washington, TX 77880, USA
Group of drab yellow chanterelle mushrooms Cantharellus quercophilus under small cedar elm trees and oaks in Washington-on-the-Brazos State Historic Site. Washington, Texas, July 6, 2019 23200 Park Rd, Washington, TX 77880, USA
Mature chanterelle mushrooms Cantharellus quercophilus under small elm and oak trees in area of Old Washington Town Site in Washington-on-the-Brazos State Historic Site. Washington, Texas, June 6, 2021 23400 Park Rd 12, Washington, TX 77880, USA
Chanterelle mushrooms Cantharellus quercophilus in overgrown area with small cedar elm, juniper, live oak, among dry leaves in area of Old Washington Town Site in Washington-on-the-Brazos State Historic Site. Washington, Texas, July 7, 2021 23400 Park Rd 12, Washington, TX 77880, USA
Masses of chanterelle mushrooms Cantharellus quercophilus under small elm and oak trees in area of Old Washington Town Site in Washington-on-the-Brazos State Historic Site. Washington, Texas, July 7, 2021 23400 Park Rd 12, Washington, TX 77880, USA
Chanterelle mushrooms Cantharellus quercophilus with cross section under small elm and oak trees in area of Old Washington Town Site in Washington-on-the-Brazos State Historic Site. Washington, Texas, July 7, 2021 23400 Park Rd 12, Washington, TX 77880, USA
Chanterelle mushrooms Cantharellus quercophilus among dry leaves under small elm and oak trees in area of Old Washington Town Site in Washington-on-the-Brazos State Historic Site. Washington, Texas, July 7, 2021 23400 Park Rd 12, Washington, TX 77880, USA
Side view of chanterelle mushrooms Cantharellus quercophilus among dry leaves under small elm and oak trees in area of Old Washington Town Site in Washington-on-the-Brazos State Historic Site. Washington, Texas, July 7, 2021 23400 Park Rd 12, Washington, TX 77880, USA
Underside of a chanterelle mushroom Cantharellus quercophilus in area of Old Washington Town Site in Washington-on-the-Brazos State Historic Site. Washington, Texas, July 7, 2021 23400 Park Rd 12, Washington, TX 77880, USA
Underside texture of a chanterelle mushroom Cantharellus quercophilus in area of Old Washington Town Site in Washington-on-the-Brazos State Historic Site. Washington, Texas, July 7, 2021 23400 Park Rd 12, Washington, TX 77880, USA
Caps of chanterelle mushrooms Cantharellus quercophilus in area of Old Washington Town Site in Washington-on-the-Brazos State Historic Site. Washington, Texas, July 7, 2021 23400 Park Rd 12, Washington, TX 77880, USA
Mature chanterelle mushrooms Cantharellus quercophilus among dry oak leaves in area of Old Washington Town Site in Washington-on-the-Brazos State Historic Site. Washington, Texas, July 7, 2021 23400 Park Rd 12, Washington, TX 77880, USA
Young chanterelle mushrooms Cantharellus quercophilus in area of Old Washington Town Site in Washington-on-the-Brazos State Historic Site. Washington, Texas, July 7, 2021 23400 Park Rd 12, Washington, TX 77880, USA
Veined underside of chanterelle mushrooms Cantharellus quercophilus in area of Old Washington Town Site in Washington-on-the-Brazos State Historic Site. Washington, Texas, July 7, 2021 23400 Park Rd 12, Washington, TX 77880, USA
Cross section of chanterelle mushrooms Cantharellus quercophilus in area of Old Washington Town Site in Washington-on-the-Brazos State Historic Site. Washington, Texas, July 7, 2021 23400 Park Rd 12, Washington, TX 77880, USA
Chanterelle mushrooms Cantharellus quercophilus under oaks near a former pond in Washington-on-the-Brazos State Historic Site. Washington, Texas, July 7, 2021 Old Washington Town Site Loop Trail, Washington, TX 77880, USA
AI-generated summary of observations
Observations of Cantharellus quercophilus in East and Central Texas reveal that the fungus grows under small cedar elm trees and oaks, particularly in areas with dry leaves. The mushrooms were found in groups, pairs, and masses, with varying colors ranging from drab yellow to more vibrant hues. They were observed in different stages of maturity, from young to mature, with some displaying veined undersides and unique textures. The fungi thrived in overgrown areas with small trees, including juniper and live oak, and near former ponds. Specific observations were made at the Washington-on-the-Brazos State Historic Site, where the mushrooms were abundant under elm and oak trees, with notable finds on June 6, 2021, and July 7, 2021. The sightings suggest a strong association between Cantharellus quercophilus and specific tree species in East and Central Texas.