PEZIZALES: epigeous ascocarps with operculate ascus; families: Ascobolaceae, Helvellaceae, Humariaceae, Morchellaceae, Otideaceae, Pezizaceae, Sarcoscyphaceae, Tuberaceae( in its own order, Tuberales).

• Pezizaceae: ascus operculate; ascus amyloid; ascospores ornamented or not.

Peziza sp.: operculate ascus; Peziza violacea typically occurs abundantly in burnt over areas.

Aleuria aurantia. Ascocarps typically grown on hard-packed soil; Edible; ascospores typically ornamented and thus fungus is often placed in its own family.

Plectania melastoma: has bright-colored particles on the external surface of the apothecium; also has abundant black-rhizomorphs which attach the ascocarp to woody debris.

Caloscypha fulgens. A snowbank fungus found in elevations above 3000 ft. The margin of the apothecium stains greenish-blue.

Sarcosphaera crassa. Apothecia are formed mostly underground with the hole exposed at the ground surface. In our area often found fruiting in sand dunes in late Fall or early Winter and in fir forests in April and May.

classification system (places icons into orders)

index to genera/species