Green Elfcup (Chlorociboria aeruginascens / Chlorociboria aeruginosa)

The Green Elfcup (Chlorociboria species) is a small but fascinating woodland fungus found across the UK. It is best known not only for its tiny turquoise-green cup-shaped fruiting bodies, but also for the vivid blue-green staining it produces on decaying wood. This distinctive colour comes from a pigment called xylindein, which permanently stains the wood and has even been used historically in decorative woodworking. Green Elfcups are most commonly found on damp, rotting hardwood sticks, particularly in shaded woodland during autumn and winter.

Although technically considered edible, the Green Elfcup has very little culinary value due to its small size and thin flesh. Its main interest lies in its striking colour and ecological role rather than its taste. Because of its unique blue-green staining effect and lack of dangerous lookalikes in the UK, it is a safe and rewarding species for beginners to learn and photograph. It adds excellent visual contrast to woodland fungi guides and seasonal mushroom pages.

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Identification Features:

• Very small blue-green to turquoise cup-shaped fungus
• Cups typically 0.5–2 cm wide
• Inner surface smooth and brightly coloured
• Outer surface slightly paler and finely textured
• No gills or pores
• Thin, delicate flesh
• Often attached to or growing from decaying hardwood
• Wood around it often stained blue-green
• Spore print is white
• Found in damp woodland
• Fruits mainly autumn through winter
• Sometimes only the stained wood is visible without cups

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Foraging Safety:

• Generally considered edible but insignificant
• Too small and thin for meaningful food use
• No known dangerous lookalikes in the UK
• Always confirm:
• Bright blue-green colour
• Growing on hardwood debris
• Avoid collecting from polluted woodland
• Handle gently - very delicate
• More valuable for photography than food
• Always cook any wild mushroom before eating
• If unsure - leave it

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Cooking Uses:

• Minimal flavour
• Very thin texture
• Rarely used in cooking
• Occasionally used as:
• Decorative garnish
• Main interest is visual rather than culinary
• Best appreciated in the wild

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