Wild Wednesday – Jelly ear fungus
If you're out walking in woodland, keep an eye out for one of our strangest fungi, the jelly ear, scientific name, Auricularia auricula-judae. Soft, velvety and slightly unusual in appearance, as it resembles a human ear.
Despite its unusual appearance, the jelly ear is a common sight across the UK and can be found throughout the year, especially in damp, shady locations. It grows mainly on dead or dying elder trees, although it can also be found on ash, beech and sycamore.
The fungus is rubbery and jelly-like to the touch, ranging in colour from tan coloured to dark reddish-brown. Young specimens appear as small cups, gradually developing folds and lobes that give them their distinctive ear-shaped appearance. Individual fruiting bodies can grow up to 10 centimetres across.
One of the most remarkable features of this fungus is its resilience - during cold weather it can freeze solid, then thaw and continue growing once temperatures rise, making it one of nature's toughest fungi.
A Sussex connection
West Sussex's woodlands, hedgerows and nature reserves provide ideal conditions for fungi, including jelly ear. Local wildlife organisations regularly encourage people to explore the fascinating world of fungi during autumn, when damp weather and falling temperatures bring a colourful array of species into view. While the jelly ear fungus may not be as colourful as some mushrooms, its unusual shape makes it one of the easiest fungi to identify.
Did you know?
Jelly ear is also known as "wood ear" and has been used in Chinese cooking for centuries, where related species are prized for their distinctive texture rather than their flavour.
So next time you're exploring a local woodland or country path, take a closer look at fallen elder branches. You might discover these curious little ears peeping out from the bark, reminding us that some of nature's most fascinating treasures are often hiding in plain sight.
Elder trees and plants - check what to look out for here: Elder (Sambucus nigra) - British Trees - Woodland Trust