It has a soft velvety cap and stem (chanterelles have a smooth, firm cap). Thin flesh (unlike chanterelle). Has repeatedly forked, close, true gills (not blunt ridges like the chanterelle). Found on the ground under conifers, often near rotting wood in summer and fall. Saprobic. Considered edible by some authors and poisonous by others. It is known to cause hallucinations in some people. Genetically this mushroom is related to the boletus! 041-001