Edible mushroom - beginner Season - winter to spring Common names Scarlet elfcup, red foot, scarlet cups, moss cups, fairy bath
Scientific name meaning: From the Greek words Sarkos and Scyph, meaning flesh and cup, respectively. And Austrica, meaning of Austria, given by the scientist who named it
Habitat  A saprobic fungus found on dead hardwood, particularly if the wood is covered in moss. |
Overall structure and growth  A roughly goblet-shaped cup fungus that can appear as individuals or in groups. A small stem is present - up to 0.5cm tall. There is no discernible smell or taste. The white spores can often be forced to be released by gentle tapping or blowing into the cup. Occasionally, this is accompanied by a puffing or popping sound. |
Outer surface  The outer surface is salmon pink. |
Inner surface  The inner surface is deep red. |
Possible lookalikes  The scarlet elfcup is pretty much indistinguishable to the naked eye from the ruby elfcup (Sarcoscypha coccinea), which is also edible. It could be confused with orange peel fungus (Aleuria aurantia), pictured, but this is orange rather than red and also edible. |
Use as a food Edible when cooked - it retains its colour. Doesn't have the strongest flavour, but can be filled or stuffed Hazards Some sources describe scarlet elfcups as inedible or even suspect but we have been unable to find scientific reference for this
Use in herbal medicine and medicine Used by the Oneida Tribe as a styptic - particularly for umbilical cord healing. The mushrooms were dried and ground into a powder
If you are suffering from any ailment or need medical advice, please see your General Practitioner Other uses None known at time of writing Importance to other species Fed on by slugs and snails
Always stay safe when foraging. You need to be 100% sure of your identification, 100% sure that your foraged item is edible, and 100% sure that you are not allergic to it (it is good practice to always try a small amount of any new food you are consuming). If in doubt, leave it out!
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