Craterellus atrocinereus

Craterellus atrocinereus, commonly known as the black chanterelle or California black chanterelle, is a species of edible fungus native to western North America. This uncommon species is a mycorrhizal associate of live oak, tanoak, and Oregon white oak in Oregon and northern California, where it is found most often in the vicinity of Monterey Bay. This species has a "fruity-cheesy" odor, and fruits in winter and spring. This bluish-gray to black chanterelle was previously considered to be Craterellus cinereus but was recognized as a distinct species in 2015. The specific name is a nod to C. cinereus, with the Latin prefix atro meaning dark and cinereus (akin to cinders) referring to its smoky gray coloration.