DEVILS URN
Urnula craterium
CUP FUNGI FAMILY (Sarcosomataceae)
This fungus is 1-6 inches wide and shaped like a deep cup or an urn. The opening is narrow at first but soon enlarges. When aged it is often breaking apart and appearing almost like pieces of a cup fungus; the margin becoming torn and folded back. The flesh is tough and leathery and blackish-brown in color.
It is found on sticks and small logs (often buried) of hardwoods especially oaks. It grows alone or in dense clusters. It is rare in Fontenelle Forest in the upland area. It is seen about the same time as morels.
It is an indicator of spring in the Midwestern U.S.
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