cap is up to 15cm wide, depressed in the center, smooth, dry, uniform egg-yolk yellow.
mature specimen is funnel shaped, immature specimens should be avoided.
forking ridges (rib-like folds) are present rather than gills; they descend onto the stem.
flesh is firm, yellowish, does does not change color when bruised.
stem is solid, orange tinted, tapering slightly to the base.
grows solitary or in groups on the ground, but not clustered at base of trees, and never on wood.
appears in the summer and fall.
has a pleasant, mild taste and mild, fruity odor; cook before eating.
an edible look-alike is the Smooth chanterelle (Cantharallus lateritis), which is similar in appearance but grows under oaks, has a pinkish hue and reduced ridges.
warning: do not confuse with the poisonous False Chantarelle(Hygrophoropsis aurantiaca), has gills rather than ridges, often grown on decaying wood, tastes foul and causes stomach upset.
warning: do not confuse with the poisonous Jack-O'Lantern Fungus(Omphalotus illudens), which grows in large clusters on roots, stumps, or at the base of trees and has an unpleasantly sweet odor.
