Black witches' butter
Exidia glandulosa
A species of Exidia. Also known as Warty jelly fungus.
Exidia glandulosa, commonly known as 'black witches' butter,' is an unmistakable jelly fungus characterized by its glossy, unctuous black presence on decaying timber. Its association with witches in its common name likely stems from historical beliefs that burning this fungus could ward off malevolent magic. The individual gelatinous masses congeal, forming a particularly unsettling aesthetic.
In This Article
Attributes of Black witches' butter
Height
1 - 2.5 cm
Cap
Upper surface glossy, with small warts or pegs
Flesh
Thin; gelatinous, soft; black
Ring
Ringless
Spore Print Color
White
Odor
Mildly mushroomy but not distinctive.
Body Color
BlackRed
Flesh Bruises
The flesh or milk does not discolor when bruised or cut.
Growth Form
Solitary, Gregarious
Nutrient Gathering
Saprophytic
Substrate
Dead Woods
You can find Black witches' butter by these plants
Oaks, English oak
Occurence Habitats
Deciduous Woodland, Coniferous Woodland
Species Status
Widely distributed
Endangered Species
No
Scientific Classification of Black witches' butter
Phylum
Club fungi
Class
Mushroom-forming fungi
Order
Auriculariales
Family
Auriculariaceae
Genus
Exidia
Toxicity and Edibility of Black witches' butter
Is Black witches' butter Toxic?
Toxicity information is not available for this mushroom. Always consult with an expert before consuming any wild mushrooms.
