Mushroom Monday: Fluted Bird’s Nest (Cyathus striatus)

Mushroom Monday: Fluted Bird’s Nest (Cyathus striatus)

When our arborists care for trees throughout Houston, Memorial, River Oaks, and The Woodlands, they frequently encounter fascinating fungi in wooded areas and mulched landscapes. One of nature’s most intricate designs is Cyathus striatus, commonly known as the Fluted Bird’s Nest fungus. Moreover, this species belongs to the family Nidulariaceae, whose name comes from the Latin word for “nest,” matching their nest-like shape.

The Cup

Unlike many mushrooms that have a cap and stem, this species forms a cup-shaped structure that attaches directly to wood or mulch through a slightly narrowed base. The cup measures approximately 1/4 to 1/2 inch in height and 1/4 inch in width – about the size of a small thimble. Initially, young specimens appear as small, cone-shaped structures covered by a protective membrane called an epiphragm. As time passes and the fungus matures, this covering splits open to reveal the cup’s interior. Additionally, the outer surface displays shaggy brown hairs, while the inner walls feature parallel grooves that give this species its name “striatus.”

The Peridioles

Inside each cup rest several disc-shaped structures called peridioles, with each one measuring approximately 1/16 inch across – about the size of a pinhead. These silvery-grey “eggs” contain the fungus’s spores. Furthermore, they remain attached to the cup by a specialized elastic cord called a funiculus. Together, these parts play a crucial role in spreading spores when raindrops strike the cup.

Habitat and Growth

Cyathus striatus grows in two main places: landscaped areas with wood mulch and natural woodland settings where dead wood collects. As a result of its feeding habits, this helpful fungus breaks down woody debris. Consequently, it adds nutrients back into the soil in both gardens and forests.

Tree Associations

Although Cyathus striatus doesn’t directly affect living trees, it still plays a role in keeping forests and landscapes healthy by breaking down dead wood. In fact, when you spot this fungus, it’s a sign that nature’s recycling process is working well.

Interesting Facts

The name “striatus” comes from the distinctive grooved inner surface of the cup, which helps identify this species. These grooves work with the cup shape to spread spores in a fascinating way. When rain falls, drops hit the cup at just the right angle to create a splash that launches the peridioles into the air – much like a tiny natural catapult. Once airborne, the elastic funiculus helps the peridioles stick to new woody surfaces when they land, allowing the fungus to grow in new places.

If you found learning about the Fluted Bird’s Nest fungus helpful, check out our other posts on our TrueTreeTalk blog. Follow us on Facebook to keep up with these and other posts.

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ArborTrue is a science-based tree-service company in the greater Houston area. We also serve Austin and other parts of Central Texas. We provide a range of services including tree trimming, tree pruning, tree removal, tree planting, arborist consultations, and more. Call us today at 832-980-8733 (Houston) or at 512-546-3833 (Austin) or reach out to us online to schedule an appointment.