Edible mushroom - beginner Season - all year Common names Wood ear, jelly ear
Scientific name meaning: Both parts of the double-barrelled genus name, Auricularia and auricula, are derived from the Latin word for ear. Judae is in reference to Judas Iscariot, the disciple who betrayed Jesus in the Christian bible. This is because mycologist Joseph Schroter started referring to it as "Judas ear" in 1880
Habitat  Wood Ear is a saprobic (living on dead or dying matter) on wood. However, it can sometimes be found living parasitically on living trees. Its favourite tree is elder but it can also be found on beech, ash, box, sycamore, pseudoacacia and other broadleaf species. It is found in temperate and sub-tropical zones globally. |
Overall structure and growth  Wood ear is a tan-brown fungus, and looks and feels very much like a human ear. Its cup hangs down towards the ground. In dry weather, it shrivels up to a tiny amount of its hydrated size and looks almost black. It rehydrates after rain or soaking in liquid. |
Outer surface  The outer surface is tan brown and has a wrinkled (vein-like) surface. |
Inner surface  The inner surface is tan brown and has a vein-like wrinkled surface. The spores are white. |
Possible lookalikes  Other brown cup fungi could be confused with wood ear. But, true wood ear always has its cup hanging down towards the ground and grows from wood. Other cup fungi it may be confused with have an upright cup and may not grow on wood. Jelly leaf or leafy brain (Phaeotremella foliacea) looks similar and grows on wood but is folds of jelly-like flesh rather than cups. |
Use as a food Wood ear’s ability to dehydrate and rehydrate means it is excellent for long-term storage. When rehydrated in strong flavoured sauces or liquids, and will absorb those flavours. Its texture lends itself towards oriental cuisine, in which its relatives are often used.
It should not be fried as it explodes.
It can also be used as a sweet treat by soaking in strong fruit juice or liqueur, then covering in chocolate. It makes an interesting talking point Hazards Because of its effect on blood coagulation, wood ear should be avoided by those with haemophilia or taking blood thinners
Use in herbal medicine and medicine There is an acidic polysaccharide (containing mannose, glucose, glucuronic acid and xylose) in wood ear. This polysaccharide has been found to have some effect on reducing blood coagulation. Research is continuing into its use as an antithrombotic.
In addition, it has also been used to treat heart disease, constipation, post-partum haemorrhoids, inflammation, and gall, kidney and bladder stones
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 The larvae of some insects feed on wood ear. Older specimens are more likely to contain them
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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