Discover the choice edible mushroom: Pig’s Ear / The Violet Chanterelle!

One of the most striking mushrooms you can find in the forest is Gomphus clavatus, better known as Pig’s Ears or the Violet Chanterelle. This mushroom gets its nickname from its ear-like shape and its rich violet to lilac coloring that fades with age.

Unlike the golden chanterelle, Gomphus clavatus has wrinkled, forked ridges instead of smooth gills, and its cap often fuses together in clusters, giving it that “pig’s ear” appearance. It usually grows in coniferous forests, often in mossy ground, and can appear in large flushes when conditions are right.

Pig’s Ears are edible and have long been enjoyed in Europe and North America, though they’re not as commonly harvested as other wild mushrooms. Their firm texture makes them excellent in sautés, soups, or dried for later use. Sadly, in parts of Europe, this mushroom has become quite rare due to habitat loss and is now protected in some regions.

In our latest video on My Wild Life, we head into the forest to find and share more about this unique mushroom—how to spot it, what makes it special, and why it’s a real treat for any forager to come across.

👉 Watch the full video here: The Violet Chanterelle!

Have you ever come across Pig’s Ears in your woods, or is this one still on your foraging bucket list?