The hiking trails I frequent are filled with fantastic fungi and I am having trouble tracking all of the different varieties!!! For some reason, I feel each one needs my attention and deserves to be photographed. I guess I'm the self-appointed PR person for these beauties. 😁
Today's post is chock-full of pretty pictures and light on information. If any of you can identify these mushrooms, I would love for you to do so in the comments below. Let's get on with the show!
This one, I actually did research and it's called Omphalotus olearius, commonly known as the jack-o'-lantern mushroom. These, which are poisonous to humans, can be easily confused for chanterelles which are popular edible mushrooms.
There is one particular tree that has been the host of various dramatic displays of fungi over the years. There have been oysters and lion's mane and now, jack-o'-lantern. I always make a point to check in to see what is growing on this hospitable oak.
This is the growth progression of the first image that I captured over a couple of weeks. Pretty impressive!
This sizable colony was so adorable! The tallest ones were about 2 inches tall so this was a camera on the ground moment. I found these in the parking lot at the trailhead and took them as a sign of more sightings to come. I was not wrong in my assumption.
I have it on good authority that these are called Puffballs and are edible. I have never seen this variety before and was excited about the find. The whole area was covered with rusty, curled up leaves which were an added bonus. They resemble cinnamon sticks, don't you think?
I have no idea what these are. The leaf adds so much. Is it photobombing or a shield for the shy mushroom in the back? We just don't know. 😉
I will leave you with this 'shroom with a view.
There you have it. I only have dozens more to show you but I will pace myself...there's always next week! 🍄
This is my contribution to #fungifriday brought to us by
