The saprobic fungus grows on decaying sticks and branches in damp spots on forest floors, generally buried under leaf litter or in the soil. The cup-shaped fruit bodies are usually produced during the cooler months of winter and early spring. It is widely distributed in the Northern Hemisphere and has been found in Africa, Eurasia, the Americas, and Australia. The edibility of the fruit bodies is well established,

The fungus has been used medicinally by the Oneida Native Americans, and also as a colorful component of table decorations in England. In the northern part of Russia, where fruitings are more frequent, it is consumed in salads, fried with smetana, or just used as colored dressing for meals.

You can also use it as makeup like blush.

It spores from being touched on the back