Mushroom Fun Facts

Amanita+gemmata+je.jpg

AMANITA GEMMATA

One of several lovely Amanitas in the park, all mycorrhizal species that help plants grow. All our species are toxic.

rabbit+ears+je.jpg

RABBIT EARS

This oddball decomposer does look like rabbit ears.

Ganoderma_applanatum_Wikimedia Commons (George Chernilevsky).jpg

ARTIST’S CONK

Conks are hard mushrooms growing on trees that decompose the wood. One can use a sharp object to draw on the white pore surface of this species.

Russula brevipes je.JPG

SHORT-STEMMED RUSSULA

Russulas, like Amanitas, are mycorrhizal fungi that help plants grow. This is the most common Russula in the park.

Earthstar+je.jpg

EARTHSTAR

like a puffball set into a star, these decomposers are eye-catching.

Cantharellus+formosus+je.jpg

GOLDEN CHANTERELLE

The most sought-after edible mushroom in the park, chanterelles do have a look-alike species (the false chanterelle).

jim.jpg

MYCENA PURA

One of many Mycenas in the park, this tiny decomposer is one of the loveliest.

Laetiporus_sulphureus_Wikimedia+Commons+%28Jo+Hannes%29.jpg

CHICKEN OF THE WOODS

A shelf fungus, like the hard conks, this lovely species is soft and edible

 

Bridle Trails State Park mushroom species List

Learn more about mushrooms here

Photo credits: Jim Erckmann, Wikimedia Commons (Holleday, Jo Hannes, George Chernilevsky),