Fungus Among Us

Fly Amanita (Amanita muscaria) near Ramona Falls

As I walk about in local parks and trails this Fall, I am finding almost no wildflowers. Not surprising given the cooler temps and reduced daylight. But I am surprised by the volume of mushrooms that seem to be popping up in almost every shady area we visit! Of course this is the season for mushrooms in western Oregon, but our unusual weather this year has apparently made for bumper crops!

Toxic Scaly Agaricus (Agaricus praeclaresquamosus) at Rood Bridge Park

My grandfather used to talk about the "fungus amongus" when it was bath time for us kids. I think the idea was that lack of hygiene would result in mold growing between our toes or who knows where! In those days it was a small motivational moment to hop in the tub. His catchy words were not far from the truth. Mycologists (those who study fungus) now think there may be as many as 1.5 million species of fungus on earth. To date, only 65,000 have been identified, including lichens and molds.

Birch Trich (Tricholoma fulvum).
We have several dozen of these whoppers in our field, under trees.

As you probably know, mushrooms are the above-ground, spore-bearing part of the main fungus that lives underground. Once this "fruitbody" part emerges, it matures quickly, disperses spores, and then dies back. This can take just a few days in some cases. Or, the fruitbodies are picked by knowledgeable mushroom hunters, for consumption. In my case, I just try to find the interesting looking ones in full bloom, so to speak, for capturing with the camera.

Possible Cort at Silver Falls State Park. Note cap covered with wet spores.

Many of our Northwest fungi are Mycohrrhizal, meaning that they have a close "relationship" with a host tree. Conifers make good hosts as well as birch and oak. The fungus will grow around the tiny roots of these trees and provide water and nutrients to the tree. The fungus benefits from the tree sugars it can capture.

A fine troop of Onion Bagel Pholiota along the Cape Horn trail.
In spite of the name, these are not tasty!

There are legions of mushroom hunters that head out this time of year, in search of edible treasures they can harvest for themselves or for selling to restaurants. In fact, state and federal land managers publish guidelines and rules for mushroom gathering. Some hunters have their secret, favorite spots deep in the woods that only close relatives know about. Some are even armed in case of territorial disputes! Lordy!

Turkey-tail Polypore (Trametes versicolor) on dead deciduous tree branch

As I write this post, lunchtime approaches. Thoughts of a big juicy mushroom burger, or a hardy mushroom stew, or a nice big tossed salad with fresh mushrooms are spinning in my head.

Scaly Vase Chanterelle (Gomphus floccosus) on the Ramona Creek Trail

When you go to the grocery store and buy a package of mushrooms, you are getting the cultivated variety of Agaricus bisporus. Millions of these are grown commercially every year.

But I digress... Now, here's some knowledge I would like to spread regarding our "state mushroom!" From the website, State Symbols (www.statesymbolsusa.org).

The Pacific Golden Chanterelle (Cantharellus formosus) was designated the official mushroom of the state of Oregon in 1999. Unique to the Pacific Northwest, this wild, edible fungi has high culinary value. More than 500,000 pounds of the Pacific golden chanterelles are harvested annually in Oregon.

The Pacific golden chanterelle is recognized as a separate species from the golden chanterelle mushroom. It forms a mycorrhizal association with conifer forests of the Pacific Northwest (western hemlock, Douglas-fir and Sitka spruce), and live oaks in California.

Don't worry, I'm not going to launch into a long discussion of how to identify mushrooms. There are many books and websites that will do that. The Smithsonian Mushroom Handbook is a great pictorial guide for novices like me; and the Oregon Mycological Society website is a good local website for starters. And please note this important warning on their home page:

Edible or Poisonous? There is no quick and easy test that will separate edible from poisonous mushrooms. Identify each and every mushroom you collect, and only eat those whose identification you are absolutely sure of. When in doubt, throw it out. Seek medical assistance immediately if you suspect mushroom poisoning of any kind.

And finally, to see my growing collection of Fungus Among Us, visit my "shroom" room.