Calocera viscosa

Scientific name:  Calocera viscosa (Persoon : Fries) Fries
Derivation of name:  Visc- means "viscid" or "sticky." Some
guides indicate the fruitbody can be slimy.
Synonyms:  
Common name(s):  Yellow tuning fork; Yellow false coral;
Yellow staghorn fungus..
Phylum:   Basidiomycota
Order:   Dacrymycetales
Family:   Dacrymycetaceae
Occurrence on wood substrate: Saprobic; several to many
on dead conifer logs and stumps; August through November.   
Dimensions:   fruitbodies are 3-10 cm tall.   
Description: This branched, yellow to yellow-orange fungus
arises from a common base. The upper branches are usually
forked.        
Edibility: Unknown. 
Comments: Its tough, gelatinous texture distinguishes it from
coral fungi which are brittle and easily broken. 

 
Figure 1. Yellow tuning fork growing on wood.
Photo © Dianna Smith  

Figure 2. Specimen collected during a NEMF foray. Note
how the terminal branches are typically forked.