A few days ago while showing a visiting friend the trails in the Morgan Arboretum we realized that we were surrounded by a wide variety of beautiful fungi … well, not surrounded perhaps but there were, and are, a heck of a lot of them. Consequently we decided to return, this time with camera and time to pause, to see how many of them we could “digitally collect”.

Usually, people think of the autumn as the time of year for fungus forays, yet here we are in early August and there are lots of great things to see if you just care to look.

Do yourselves a favour – go for a walk as soon as you can in the Arboretum. It’s lovely and quiet as there is nobody else there except nerds looking for stuff like this … meanwhile, here are some the things we enjoyed.

Remember the old saying – “All fungi are edible. Some of them only once”

**Note that species identifications, where given, are approximate at the moment (we are working on it) – fungi are hard to pin down at the best of times. Most species given are suggestions only. I am open to any suggestions from more knowledgeable forest visitors and credit will be given.

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Hygrocybe sp (possibly Hygrocybe conica) – a “waxcap” fungus also known as the witch’s hat or conical slimy cap,

Suggested genus Russula sp. (possibly Russula variata)

ID not easy for this one – I suggest Leucoagaricus leucothites (white dapperling) but it could also be Amanita bisporigera which is horrendously toxic.

Hopefully this is Tyromyces chioneus or the “white cheese fungus”.  One expert in fungal matters describes it thus:

Tyromyces chioneus is the ho-hum pinnacle of the polypore world, if you ask me. Its boring white cap and pore surface, combined with its soggy texture and lack of interesting microscopic details, are definitely not counterbalanced by the only “interesting” thing about it: its slightly fragrant odor. Oh, sure, the world probably needs Tyromyces chioneus (it is a widespread and common decomposer of deadwood)–but that doesn’t mean I have to get excited about it.

For now I suggest this might be Lactifluus volemus or a relative in this genus. If so then it is prized as a tasty edible fungus, if not then you are on your own should you choose to taste it.

Not sure about this. Nice thing whatever it might be.

Family Boletaceae – Boletes

I had originally thought this might be Tricholomopsis rutilans (Plums-and-Custard) but was persuaded otherwise. Had it been then it would be edible if boiled but “not worth the effort”

Another Russula sp.  I think – any suggestions? Quite a few are visually similar.

Presumably a “puffball”, but which and what?

Open to suggestions for this one – too many similar species for me to be sure

Perhaps Clitopilus prunulus or the sweetbread mushroom. Certainly the location and habitat are appropriate.

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The often reliable AI computers online (iNaturalist especially) suggest this might be one of the Amanita sp … I am not convinced

A polupore fungus on rotting wood – perhaps Trametes versicolor  or Turkey-Tail

Russula sp. again – how about Russula cremoricolor?

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Russula brevipes – Short-stemmed Russula

Russula brevipes – Short-stemmed Russula … but a more artistic image than the previous one

Genus Russula (again)

I am suggesting one of the Mycenae or “bonnets” … but which?

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Amanita jacksonii – Jackson’s Slender Caesar

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We meet Tyromyces chioneus or the “white cheese fungus” once again

I propose one of the Phellinus bracket fungi

Genus Lactarius – Milkcaps

Yet again – see above

This is the one we say a few days ago and got us into doing this fungus foraying properly … really a spectacular golden glow on the forest floor around the base and roots of a dead oak tree. Omphalotis illudens – Jack-O’Lantern Fungus

Omphalotis illudens – Jack-O’Lantern Fungus

Omphalotis illudens – Jack-O’Lantern Fungus

Family Mycenaceae – a bonnet

This picture is here just because it’s a pleasing image. Species unknown.

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Time to go home – hope you have enjoyed this fungus foray in the arboretum