Group of Fungi: Club Fungi

Family: Leotiaceae

Latin Name: Leotia lubrica (Scop.) Pers.

Common Name: Jelly Club

Description: Total height 5/8–3 in (1.5–7.5 cm); cap-like head 3/8–1 in (1–2.5 cm) wide, variable in shape but usually more or less convex and somewhat convoluted, upper surface smooth or slightly wrinkled, buff, yellowish-brown or dull yellow, sticky when moist, margin enrolled; lower surface of head smooth, pale yellow; stalk 3/4–2 1/4 in (2–6 cm) wide and 1/4–3/8 in (0.5–1.0 cm thick), pale buff to yellow, minutely scaly; spores white in mass.

Biological Role: Decomposer of litter and humus.

Habitat: On the ground in broadleaf or conifer forests; occurring as solitary fruiting bodies but often scattered or found in clusters.

Geographical Distribution: Widely distributed throughout North America.

Comments: Leotia lubrica has the general form of a small agaric or bolete, but this fungus is actually an ascomycete. The spores are produced on the upper surface of what appears to be the cap and the lower surface is sterile. Leotia viscosa is similar in appearance but has an olive to dark-green cap and a yellowish to buff-colored stalk.