If it’s not abandoned furniture then it’s fungus that catches my eye. It must be the weather but so many varied species appear. These tiny mushrooms, at the base of a friend’s neighborhood tree, were there in abundance, looking at me as I got out of my car Sunday afternoon.
They are called coprinellus disseminatus or Fairy Bonnets
“Polyporus squamosus, commonly referred to as Dryad’s Saddle” it’s edible but I’m going to pass.
Here’s more information about this fungi
Dryad-a tree nymph or tree spirit
You know I’m fascinated by fungi. No, this is not to eat! but there so many varieties and different ways they grow. They’re found in unexpected places. This crop on a rotting stump.
A Google image search says it might be this type of ruffled mushroom.
Trichaptum abietinum is a species of poroid fungus in the order Hymenochaetales. It is saprophytic, growing from dead conifer wood. The white-gray cap is 1–4 cm wide and usually no more than .5 thick, shelved and fanlike, with brownish and leathery flesh. The spores are white, cylindrical, and smooth. Wikipedia
Fungi. There are so many different types. Yes, there are many that are edible. But there are others that are poisonous. The one in the photo did not tempt me. I can’t picture it on a plate. Perhaps you know what it is.
I couldn’t identify this growth even with all the photos-there are so many interesting names of Fungi – from Milky Caps to Hairy Cushion. There are corals,hoofs, shelfs and caps. There are fungi named Hedgehogs or Turkey Tail. Even a false morel.
The authors say in their guide “Although we provide information about edibility in this guide, DO NOT eat any mushroom unless you are absolutely certain of its identity: many mushroom species look alike and some species are highly poisonous.”
Here’s a comprehensive publication from the USDA with photos. Field Guide to Common Macrofungi in Eastern Forests and Their Ecosystem Functions
Michael E. Ostry Neil A. Anderson Joseph G. O’Brien
Right here in Western Pennsylvania. A Mushroom Club.
“A club is an association of two or more people united by a common interest or goal.”There are all sorts of clubs in the community. But I’d never heard of this one/ have you? Maybe you belong to a club, but I bet not too many readers belong to a Mushroom Club.
There is a Club Species Life List available with photographs on their web page. I had no idea there were so many varieties of fungi.
Excuse me sir, but might I photograph your t-shirt? (click) Thank you.
Here is the link to the Western Pennsylvania Mushroom Club webpage.
“The Western Pennsylvania Mushroom Club was created to promote the enjoyment, study, and exchange of information about wild mushrooms. Everyone who has an interest in wild mushrooms is welcome to become a member.”
If you live in the area, there is a list of upcoming events.