Forest Garden Finds - Scarlet Elfcup
- Emily Treece
- Feb 9
- 2 min read
It's early February in the forest garden and we're out scything brambles and planting willow whips. The colours at this time of year are muted; cold grey skies mingle with dead brown undergrowth and skeletal dormant trees. But dotted here and there as we scythe away last year's bramble stems, under all the greys and browns, are little bright pops of colour, the tiny brilliant red mushrooms of the scarlet elfcup fungus. Find out what they are, where to find them and what they have to do with elves here!
What?
The scarlet elfcup (Sarcoscypha austriaca) is a rounded...well, cup-shaped...mushroom with a bright red smooth centre, a paler pink hairy outer surface and a very short stem.
Where?
Found in the dark damp parts of the forest, this little mushroom grows on decaying fallen branches (especially elm, hazel or willow) or under the leaf litter. It is widespread throughout the UK but relatively uncommon.
When?
These mushrooms fruit in the winter months, between December and March.
Uses
Rather unusually for a bright red mushroom, it is generally thought that these mushrooms are safe to eat in small amounts, although there does seem to be some disagreement over eating them raw. Some say they should be cooked thoroughly, whilst others say they are often eaten raw in salads in Russia. Still other sources claim that whilst not poisonous, they are thought inedible. I'm unable to confirm or deny these claims, rather unusually for a vegetarian forager, I hate mushrooms. As always it is advisable to check your sources and their credentials carefully before you believe them. Gradually add small amounts of a new food to your diet in case of intolerances or allergies and always make sure you are 100% sure you know exactly what you are eating.
Culinary uses aside, the Oneida people of North America were known to use this mushroom under bandages to stop bleeding and treat wounds. And also placed over the belly buttons of newborn babies to aid healing.
Mythology
I fear the name rather gives away the mythology of this particular fungus! Unsurprisingly, it was thought that wood elves would drink the morning dew which collected inside the scarlet elfcup. Other stories claim that fairies would bathe in them.
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