Jelly Ears - found all year round on elder

Elder usually attracts attention for its flowers and berries, but it is also habitat for our February Fungus of the Month, Jelly Ears (Auricularia auricula-judae). With its well defined habitat and distinctive shape, it is one or our easier jelly fungi to identify. It must also be much commoner than records suggest! Look at the full FOM profile for more details.

As usual, please keep an eye out for this fungus and then either let us know you've found it or submit the record to your local fungus group. Also, remember that the ever growing list of 'Fungus of the Month' profiles is available here, ordered alphabetically or by its highlight month (for example, Scarlet Elfcup is fruiting right now across Scotland). We are always keen to hear about new records for any of these species at any time.