You might remember my August 2022 post of Dead Trees Standing Although there were three photos in the post, one tree was in Columbus. I noticed that the two dead trees in the park across the street are no longer there. They must have taken them down while I was out of town as I surely would have heard the operation.
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
I saw these leaves on the parking lot when I picked up Charlie from Camp. I don’t think they are a good sign but I’m not sure. I tried to identify them. Maybe a blog reader will know.
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
“Oetzi, the 5000-year-old “Iceman” who was found in possession of this fungus(Fomes fomentarius) and perhaps used it to start fires.”
Fomes fomentarius
