Group of Fungi: Flask Fungi

Family: Xylariaceae

Latin Name: Xylaria hypoxylon (L.) Grev.

Common Name: Candlesnuff Fungus

Description: Thin, club-shaped structure, often forked at the tip, erect, tough, cylindrical to flattened, 1 5/8–3 in (4–7.5 cm) tall and 1/8–1/4 in (0.3–0.5 cm) in diameter, white near the tip but black below, the lower portion somewhat hairy; spores black in mass.

Biological Role: Decomposer of wood.

Habitat: On decaying wood in broadleaf forests; typically occurring in clusters.

Geographical Distribution: Widely distributed throughout North America.

Comments: Xylaria hypoxylon is somewhat similar to Xylaria polymorpha but the fruiting bodies are much thinner and usually more distinctly branched. Both species are rather persistent in nature and often can be found throughout the year.