Clavariadelphus truncatus

This species is widespread and fruits on the ground in coniferous forests across North America.  Fruitbodies are up to 15 cm tall, 15 mm diam, club-shaped, simple, rather tough, with the apex flattened, broad  and yellow.  The surface is smooth or longitudinally wrinkled.    Under the microscope the broadly ellipsoid, broadly ovoid to amygdaliform spores are 9.5-13.5 x 5.5-7  um and this distinguishes  C. truncatus from C. ligula and C.  sachaliensis.   A rather distinctive, colorful fungus, with a flat or depressed top, that is  rather easily identified in   the field.

Photograph and legend by Jim Ginns

Photographed in Manning Park, B.C.