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Jelly Ear

Auricularia auricula-judae

Months

Colour

Habitat

Photograph shows a few Jelly Ear Fungi on tree, that is also covered in moss. The fungi are a dark brown in colour and almost perfectly resemble the shape of a human ear.

How to identify:

CapThis fungus does not have a cap and instead forms ear-shaped structures
Size3 – 10 cms 
GillsThis fungus does not have gills
StemNo stem
FleshBrown, with a distinctive jelly-like texture
SporesWhite

 

Where to find them?

This fungus is commonly found on dead or dying wood.  While it’s easiest to spot between January and April, it can be found all year round.

Don’t mistake it with

There are several other species of jelly fungi:

  • The Tripe fungus (Auricularia mesenterica) has a similar ear-like shape but is lighter in colour.
  • Witches butter (Exidia glandulosa) has a dark brown-black colour and texture but does not grow to form the ear-like structures seen in Jelly ears. 

Did you know?

This fungus was previously only found on Elder trees. Over the last 50 years, it has spread to a much wider range of host tree species, and can now be found on at least 16 species of tree!  

 

Photograph shows tiny little fungi standing in moss

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