Group of Fungi: Cup Fungi

Family: Sarcoscyphaceae

Latin Name: Sarcoscypha occidentalis (Schwein.) Sacc.

Common Name: Stalked Scarlet Cup

Description: Cup-shaped structure, 1/4–5/8 in (0. 5–1.5 cm) across and 1/8–3/8 in (0.3–1.0 cm) tall, lower portion narrowing to a stalk that is 3/8–1 1/4 in (0.3–3 cm); inner surface of cup scarlet red, smooth; outer surface white or with a faint pink tinge; spores hyaline in mass.

Biological Role: Decomposer of wood.

Habitat: On decaying twigs and branches of broadleaf trees; solitary or more commonly occurring in clusters.

Geographical Distribution: Found throughout eastern North America.

Comments: Although the fruiting bodies of Sarcoscypha occidentalis are relatively small, they are easy to spot because of their bright scarlet red color. This fungus is often exceedingly common, and after a period of rainy weather during the late spring and early summer, it is sometimes seemingly present on nearly every twig in a moist forest.