Newfoundland chanterelle

Cantharellus enelensis has decurrent ridges that are forked, a cap that is from 2.5–11 centimetres (1–4+1⁄4 in) in diameter and can be infundibuliform in older specimens. The flesh is firm and white to pale yellow on the inside and can smell fruity, often described as apricot smelling. All tissues stain somewhat brownish with injury. The stipe is 5–25 mm × 30–75 mm, enlarging upwards from narrow base, solid, solitary; deep orange-yellow.

Similar species. Members of the C. cibarius complex in eastern North America are difficult to distinguish from one another without special techniques such as DNA sequencing and microscopic examinations. Cantharellus. enelensis can be distinguished from C. cibarius by its yellow hymenophore, which is more orange in C. enelensis.

C. enelensis is one of 40 varieties of Cantharellus that grows in North America, which it is native to. Chanterelles identified with DNA sequencing as C. enelensis have been found in Newfoundland, Quebec, Michigan and Illinois but there is evidence to suggest it is widespread in North American conifer forests. It is the most commonly found chanterelle in Newfoundland.

Cantharellus enelensis forms mycorrhizal relationships and grows in conifer forests more common under Picea than Abies, with well drained, moist, sandy soil. The mushrooms bear fruiting bodies between July and September with the peak in August.

The name enelensis is in honour of the Canadian province of Newfoundland and Labrador where the mushroom was first discovered.