A large cup fungus that bursts through the bark of Hazel branches in winter, often in clusters.  Initially the cups are tightly closed, showing only their scurfy pale brown exterior. In spring the cups open to reveal the smooth, orange-brown or tan interior, which is the spore-bearing fertile surface or hymenium.   Fully open cups are star-shaped.

Photograph in habitat; note substrate and associated host species

On attached Hazel stems, usually those that are dying but not yet dead.  Rarely Alder.

Winter and Spring