Agaricus bitorquis

First good find of the 2011 season was a new one for me. My wife said there were white mushrooms in the mint patch in the backyard. Couldn't imagine what they could be, so I checked immediately. Turns out they were Agaricus bitorquis, which are usually found early before other Agaricus make an appearance. We fried them in butter, applied a light dash of salt and ate them on toast. Delicious.

Agaricus bitorquis, Sidewalk Mushroom

Late Winter Finds - Daedalea quercina

This thick-bodied polypore is common on oak stumps. The pore surface develops into a labyrinthine, maze-like structure which can look very strange. No value as an edible, but it contains compounds that have an anti-inflammatory effect. If you are familiar with the work of artist, Rodger Dean, you can't help but think this mushroom may have provided inspiration.

Daedalea quercina, Thick-maze Oak Polypore

 Artwork by Rodger Dean showing possible inspiration from Daedalea fungus.

Detail from Rodger Deans' "Arrival," included in the album "Yessongs," by Yes

Late Winter Finds - Trametes versicolor

Any time you go into the woods you'll find this mushroom. It is ubiquitous on old, fallen timber. It is rather lackluster when dry, fading to tints of light gray and tan. But, after a day or two of damp weather the colors really develop contrast and variety. Supposedly medicinal, I ground some of these to make a tea. Wouldn't describe the taste as good. Kinda tastes medicinal.

Trametes versicolor, Turkey-tail

Trametes versicolor, Turkey-tail

Black & White Fungal Abstractions

Being winter there aren't many mushrooms in the frozen woods, and not much color either. But, if one looks hard and long enough, subjects reveal themselves. Black and white is a good medium for abstraction, since the mushrooms are usually a washed-out faded memory of their once vibrant glory. Here's some of what I'm finding.

Old Oysters, Pleurotus ostreatus

Daedalea quercina, Thick-maze Oak Polypore

Xylobolus frustulatus, Ceramic Parchment