Cantharellus cinnabarinus

Cantharellus cinnabarinus, the red chanterelle, is a fungus native to eastern North America. It is a member of the genus Cantharellus along with other chanterelles. Its distinctive red color is imparted by the carotenoid canthaxanthin. It is considered edible and good, fruiting in association with hardwood trees in the summer and fall.

Etymology
It is named after cinnabar, which has a similar red color.

Description
Cantharellus cinnabarinus is recognized by its distinctive flamingo-pink to bright orange and red colors (imparted by the carotenoid canthaxanthin) and the presence of false gills underneath the cap.

It resembles some other species of Cantharellus, but tends to be more small and slender.

Distribution and habitat
Widely distributed in Eastern Northern America, it can be found from June to October, mostly on the ground in broadleaf and mixed broadleaf/conifer forests. It usually occurs scattered or in small groups. It forms mycorrhizal associations with forest trees and shows preference for acidic soils.