Snowbank Orange Peel, Golden Cup, Spring Orange Peel
This easy-to-spot harbinger of spring is often abundant in the mountains of the west when the snow is melting and morels are coming up. It may occur singly or in gregarius clusters, with shapes that may be cup-like, elongate, flattened, or lobed. Often the margins are incurved. The color is quite striking, yellowish on the exerior and bright orange over the smooth fertile inner surface. As it ages blue-green stains develop around the rim margin and sometimes the entire exterior. Caps are sessile and may reach a bit over 2 inches broad. An Ascomycete, it is the lone representative of its genus in the family Caloscyphaceae. It appears to be saprobic and is found in needle duff that is damp or recently was so. Though primarily a montane species, it may sometimes be found in damp lowland forested areas. Despite its gorgeous eye appeal, it is inedible.