Eye Lash Fungus | Reserves and species

Scientific Name:

Scutellinia scutellata

You might easily overlook this tiny cup fungus that grows in damp places on rotting wood. Its tiny scarlet red shallow cups - up to about 1cm across- with their distinctive fringe of black hairs gives rise to its name of eye lash fungus. Common and widespread.

How to identify:

Small bright scarlet cups (0.5cm) becoming flat with age with a fringe of black 'lashes'. Occasionally solitary but more often in clusters on rotting wood.

Where to find it:

On wet branches, twigs and humous rich damp soil often by streams or in very wet places.

How people can help:

Fungi are an important part of our woodland ecology, helping to recycle nutrients from dead or decaying organic matter. Many animals depend on them, too. The Wildlife Trusts look after many woodland reserves, managing them for the benefit of the wildlife present, often leaving standing and fallen dead wood which supports fungi. You can help by having log piles and dead wood in your own garden to encourage fungi. In partnership with the RHS, The Wildlife Trusts' Wild About Gardens initiative can help you plan your wildlife garden.

Statistics:

Up to 1 cm across but more commonly up to 0.5cm.

Conservation status:

Common

Seasons:

Summer

Autumn

When to see

Start date:

June

End date:

November

When to see continued:

Best seen in late summer to autumn but can be found at any time of the year.

Image: