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The Crested Ceavaria (Edible) 

 Clavaria cristata Pers. 



This mushroom belongs to the family of club fungi or Clavariaceae. 

 The club fungi resemble the hedgehog fungi in that the spore-bearing 

 surface, or hymenium. covers the entire outside of the branches, but 

 in the hedgehog fungi the branches hang downward, while in the club 

 fungi they always project upward. 



There are many kinds of club fungi, scjme of which are simply 

 club-shaped and unbranched. while others are very much branched. 

 Some are bright-colored and very Ix-autiful. All (»f the branched fr)rms 

 are good to eat. 



Clavaria cristata grows from 3 to 12 cm. ( i to 5 inches) high. It 

 is whitish in color, and has a short, stout stem, and tufts of numerous, 

 irregular branches which are more or less flattened toward the top. 

 The ends of the branches are forked and divided into moose-horn-like 

 tips. The crested Clavaria grows in the woods in rainy weather from 

 June to October. 



Another species that is common in the state is Clavaria pyxidata 

 Pers. It closely resembles Clavaria cristata in general appearance but 

 is easily distinguished by the fact tliat the ends of the branches are 

 cup-shaped instead of pointed. 



Either of these species is excellent for soups, stews, or patties. 

 They should Ije cut uj) into short pieces. Thev remind one of noodles 

 or macaroni. If stewed they must be cooked slowly and thoroughly 

 or they will be tough. When fried in butter thev are crisp and good. 



Collected in Champaign and Wabash counties. 



