This fungi is actually a parasite. It causes a canker in oaks, hickories, beech, basswood and other hardwoods. When the infected branches fall to the ground, it then fruits.
Although this is called “gray urn” it’s definitely more of a brownish-black color.
Alternate Names: Devil's Urn Size: 3-10 cm tall Family: Sarcosomataceae Habitat: Fruits on decaying hardwood (logs, sticks, limbs, stumps). Identification: More of a brownish-black than gray color, the fruiting body is shaped like a deep urn, which open bigger as the fungi ages.