Cantharellus septentrionalis is a species of golden chanterelle that was described from Michigan, USA (Smith 1968), but the name was not used until recently (Buyck et al. 2016). Buyck et al. (2016) stated that C. altipes is “possibly a synonym of C. septentrionalis”, however, we are considering them to be synonymous for this assessment.

Pre 2016, most records would have been recorded under the catchall name for golden chanterelles, Cantharellus cibarius. Thus data to make a robust assessment on population size and trends is lacking, but based on available data, this species occurs over a widespread area, and is common in the Gulf States, therefore I recommend listing as Least Concern (LC).

Cantharellus septentrionalis was described from Michigan, USA (Smith 1968), from a 1963 collection. Besides another A.H. Smith collection from the same location (MyCoPortal 2021), the name was not applied to any other collections until research by Buyck et al. (2016).

In 2011, Cantharellus altipes was described from Texas, USA (Buyck & Hofstetter 2011), who mentioned it likely was conspecific with C. cibarius var. longipes, described from New York state (Peck 1903). Petersen (1976) considered C. cibarius var. longipes a ‘nomen dubium’ name.

Phylogenetic analysis of the Holotype of C. septentrionalis found it to align with C. altipes (Buyck et al. 2016), and microscopic features of the two species match, even though the macro-morphology is different. Buyck et al. (2016) stated that C. altipes is “possibly a synonym of C. septentrionalis”, however, we are considering them to be synonymous for this assessment.

Cantharellus septentrionalis is a species of golden chanterelle that was described from Michigan, USA (Smith 1968), but the name was not used until recently (Buyck et al. 2016). Buyck et al. (2016) stated that C. altipes is “possibly a synonym of C. septentrionalis”, however, we are considering them to be synonymous for this assessment.

Pre 2016, most records would have been recorded under the catchall name for golden chanterelles, Cantharellus cibarius. Thus data to make a robust assessment on population size and trends is lacking, but based on available data, this species occurs over a widespread area, and is common in the Gulf States, therefore I recommend listing as Least Concern (LC).

.

The geographic range of Cantharellus septentrionalis remains poorly known, due to difficulty of positive identification without TEF-1 sequence analysis, and most golden chanterelles being recorded as C. cibarius in North America prior to taxonomic work on this group (Buyck & Hofstetter 2011, Foltz et al. 2013).

Cantharellus septentrionalis appears to be widespread in eastern USA, common in the Gulf States (reported as C. altipes, Buyck & Hofstetter 2011), from New York (reported as C. cibarius var. longipes, Peck 1903, Buyck & Hofstetter 2011) and Michigan (Type of C. septentrionalis, Smith 1968).

More collections are needed to fully understand the distribution of this species.

Cantharellus septentrionalis is a common species in the southeast USA (Buyck & Hofstetter 2011), and apparently less common, but widespread in the northern states across eastern North America.

Data to assess trends and population size will require more sequenced-confirmed collections, due to the difficulty of distinguishing this species from other golden chanterelles.

Cantharellus septentrionalis is an ectomycorrhizal species, with an apparent likeness for sandy soil. Buyck & Hofstetter (2011) state “we have always found it on sandy soil in oak or oak-hickory forest with intrusion of pine. Whether it is associated with oak or pine or both, or perhaps with other conifers in more northern states (as suggested by Peck’s description of C.cibarius var. longipes) remains to be examined”.

More collections with detailed habitat notes are needed to fully delimit this species’ preferences.

No specific threats have been identified with regards to this species.

No specific conservation actions have been identified with regards to this species at this time.

A better understanding on population numbers, distribution, trends, and habitat requirements of Cantharellus septentrionalis. Further investigation of the taxonomic issues with C. septentrionalis and C. altipes.

Cantharellus septentrionalis (and all other golden chanterelles in North America) are edible, and are indiscriminately collected by foragers and small scale commercial pickers.

Buyck, B. and Hofstetter, V. 2011. The contribution of tef-1 se-quences to species delimitation in the Cantharellus cibarius complex in the southeastern USA. Fungal Diversity 49: 35–46.

Buyck, B., Hofstetter, V., and Olariaga, I. 2016. Setting the record straight on North American Cantharellus. Cryptogamie Mycologie 37(3): 405–417.

Foltz, M.J., Perez, K.E., and Volk, T.J. 2013. Molecular phylogenyand morphology reveal three new species of Cantharellus within 20 m of one another in western Wisconsin, USA. Mycologia 105: 447–461.

iNaturalist. 2021. http://www.inaturalist.org. Accessed on March 17.

Mushroom Observer. 2021. http://mushroomobserver.org. Accessed on March 17.

MyCoPortal. 2021. http://mycoportal.org/portal/index.php. Accessed on March 17.

Peck, C.H. 1903. Report of the state botanist 1902. New York State Museum Bulletin 67: 3–160.

Petersen, R.H. 1976. Notes on the Cantharelloid fungi - VII. The taxadescribed by Charles H. Peck. Mycologia 68: 304–326.

Smith, A.H. 1968. The Cantharellaceae of Michigan. The Michigan Botanist 7: 143-183.