Another of the saprobic fungi. Stalked Scarlet Cup (Sarcoscypha occidentalis) lives as a network of root-like mycelium within dead branches, stems and other pieces of dead wood, on the moist forest floor. The mycelium, working within the dead wood gets nourishment by digesting the wood. They’re important decomposers in the forest.

Stalked Scarlet Cup favors Oak, Maple, Basswood and Shagbark Hickory.

Found in the United States east of the Rocky Mountains, Central America, the Caribbean, and Asia.

These are the fruit bodies of the fungi. No larger than .8 inch wide. They emerge from late spring to early autumn. Mighty small, but easy to spot thanks to the rich, bright color.