2004 REVIEW |
Spring |
I kinda messed up this spring with the Morels. The weather and rain were consistant, but my timing was off. The Blacks fruited right on time, only not as prolific as previous years. I then turned my search for the Yellows to some local spots that excelled last year. Unfortunately, they did not produce well again this year and I had to turn my search toward uncharted territories. Alas, I did find them...unfortunately, I left my camera behind to aide my speed of foot. My best find was 2 big recently deceased Elm trees with better than 80 or so large morels fruiting under each. That's the thing with morels around here...you gotta follow the dead elms. Eventually, you will run out...with both the elms and morels. Every year is different. Here's what I did manage to photograph. |
Morchella elata Black Morel |
Morchella esculenta Yellow Morel |
Summer |
It was another great season here in eastern Pennsylvania. The summer Boletes exploded on the scene and the Chanties were everywhere. |
Cantharellus lateritius Smooth Chanterelle |
Craterellus fallax Black Trumpet |
Cantharellus cinnabarinus Cinnabar-red Chanterelle |
Craterellus foetidus Fragrant Black Trumpet |
Look for these special mushrooms under Oaks during wet summer months, the same time as the Black Trumpets. Although scarce, a handful will provide a unique culinary treat. Note the veined under side and thicker flesh as compared to the Black Trumpet. Their rich, fruity aroma and taste excell in any dish. |
Clavicorona pyxidata Crown-tipped Coral |
Cortinarius collinitus Slimy-banded Cort |
Marasmius pyrrhocephalus Fire Cap Marasmius |
Boletus auripes Yellow-bottomed Bolete |
Boletus griseus Charcoal Bolete |
Boletus pallidus Pallid Bolete |
Xanthoconium purpureum |
Autumn |
Fall's final fungal fling was fabulous. |
Laetiporus sulphureus Sulphur Shelf, Chicken of the Woods |
Coprinus atramentarius Alcohol Inky |
Coprinus Comatus Shaggy Mane |
Hygrophorus miniatus Fading Scarlet Waxy Cap |
THE SPRUCE FOREST |
During autumn months I spend many hours wandering through the Norway Spruce plantations in my area. These dark, shaded woods explode with many fascinating fungi when fall's chill fills the air. |
Boletus edulis King Bolete, Cep, Porcini |
There's nothing like strolling through the pines and coming across these giants of fine edible boletes. Their presence is unsurpassed as these firm, meaty bodies arise from the pine needles. |
Aleuria aurantia Orange Peel |
Amanita inaurata (I think, help me out here if you can) |
Amanita muscaria Fly Agaric |
Helvella elastica Smooth-stalked Helvella |
Lepiota rachodes Shaggy Parasol |
Imagine my dismay upon investigating a new spruce plantation in hopes of finding hordes of B. edulis and finding none. It took me several days to appreciate the inhabitants that did present themselves in such great numbers, the Shaggy Parasol. It has become one of my favorite edibles. Beware not to confuse them with the poisonous Chlorophyllum molybdites, or Green-spored Lepiota. Always take a spore print before trying these wonderful mushrooms. The Shaggy Parasol spore print will be white as opposed to the green spore print of Chlorophyllum molybdites. These pictured specimens were fruiting by the hole of a very large colony of aggressive ground hornets. Luckily, this cold morning kept them at bay long enough for me to photograph. Thanks to my buddy Harry for letting me peruse his peaceful property. |
I hope you enjoyed reviewing this wonderful year with me. Feel free to help me with identifications or just to share photos, adventures and such. |
copyright 2004-Pamela's Mushrooms-all rights reserved |
