Habitat, season and caution

Grey chanterelle

Craterellus cinereus

Ashen chanterelle, grey chanterelle, grey craterelle, Cantharellus cinereus

Grey chanterelle in its natural habitat
Scientific name

Craterellus cinereus

Quick answer

The ashen chanterelle, Craterellus cinereus, grows in cool broadleaf woodland, especially with beech or oak, sometimes in groups in leaf litter. In Switzerland its indicative season is mainly August to October. Dark colour and funnel shape are not enough to separate it from black trumpets.

Typical habitat

Cool broadleaf woodland, often beneath beech, on well-preserved humus and leaf litter.

Indicative period

Late summer into autumn, often with a short and localised window.

Identification and lookalikes

Black trumpet, blackening chanterelle and other small grey funnel fungi can look similar. Underside folds, stem, flesh, texture and habitat require comparison.

!

The map helps you search. Never identify.

Cepello does not identify mushrooms and never confirms that a specimen is edible. Have your entire collection checked by an official inspection service.

Uncertainty or mild symptoms: Tox Info Suisse 145. Acute symptoms: 144.Read the safety guide

FAQ

Frequently asked questions

Is the ashen chanterelle a black trumpet?

No. They are different taxa, although dark colour and funnel shape can look similar.

Why do references use different scientific names?

The species has been placed in several genera. This profile uses Craterellus cinereus.

Rain, soil, trees and season

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Sources & method

SwissFungi, WSL · VAPKO · Tox Info Suisse · Index Fungorum, Craterellus cinereus

Checked on 25.08.2026. An online profile can never confirm identity or edibility. Keep species separate and have everything intended for consumption inspected.