 The
Jack O'Lantern mushroom Omphalotus olearius is an orange
to red gill mushroom that is similar in appearance to the
chanterelle, and most notable for its bioluminescent properties.
Unlike
the chanterelle, the jack o'lantern mushroom is poisonous,
typically causing gastric upset for a few hours to 2 days.
It is
a common fall mushroom east of the Rocky Mountains, and
is frequently found in urban settings, sprouting from dead
trees and stumps and on buried roots of oak and other deciduous
wood.
According
to various field guides when this species is gathered fresh
and taken into a dark room, the gills give off an eerie
glow. Some dispute this fact and Powdermill cannot verify
if this is true.
Photo
taken by Greg Funka (http://photo.net/photos/funkag) at
Ferncliff Peninsula Natural Area/Ohiopyle State Park Pennsylvania.
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