Fuzzy-foot Coral or Lemon Coral
A medium-sized coral in the Subgenus Laeticolora of genus Ramaria, this species typically is in the 4-6 inch range in height and up to about 4-5 inches across. Branches are upright and the fungus in typically taller than broad. The branches are yellow with somewhat brighter tips, but pale yellow-white lower down. Branch flesh is pale yellow and stipe flesh is white. The stipes are tapering and usually single, ending in fuzzy tomentum at the extreme base. Some varieties have stipes that stain brown or reddish on bruising, but var. cystidiophora (illustrated) does not stain. There is a fragrant citrusy odor in most but one variety smells of beans. There are no deadly Ramarias in North America among the 90+ found here, but occasionally Ramarias, especially ones with gelatinous stipes, cause mild indigestion. The author has eaten this species with no ill effects and found it excellent. It is a fall species that stands out visually in the deep conifer shade of Northwest forests.