coastwx Posted September 1, 2014 Report Share Posted September 1, 2014 I take a walk around the yard yesterday morning and mother nature surprised with my first Armillaria. This A. tabescens was growing off the roots of old oak that we cut down years ago. Then, while cooking sausage on the deck 3 other clusters of A. tabescens were growing off the roots of pin oak that we cut down several years ago. Unfortunately, only the first cluster was fresh.After finding so many in the yard, I had to check out the oak stands at my main spot. It was not disappointing. Although we've had little if any rain for 7-10 days, clusters of both A. tabescens and A. mellea were in every part of the park that had oaks. I suspect all of central NC has these delirious fungi growing right now. Did not find any massive clusters, but my hunt was much shorter than normal. Plan to revisit today. Also found a big oyster flush, but left as they were just past prime. Oysters on a down poplar Prime A. tabescens found in the yard just outside the garden. First A. mellea. Some old, but a few younger ones that were cooked last night. Another cluster Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
John Smalldridge Posted September 1, 2014 Report Share Posted September 1, 2014 Nice finds Coastwx. Did you eat any of these yet? If so, how were they? It's been really dry around here too and I may have to take a trip somewhere to do any hunting. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
brianf Posted September 1, 2014 Report Share Posted September 1, 2014 Nice. That second photo is next level awesome. There's good pictures of mushrooms and then there's good pictures. That's just an awesome picture no matter what it's subject is. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dualsetters Posted September 1, 2014 Report Share Posted September 1, 2014 That is a very nice pic. Makes me think of a mushroom photo contest . I hope the powers that be don't delete me after that one. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
coastwx Posted September 2, 2014 Author Report Share Posted September 2, 2014 Thanks... I've found a HDR (assume high definition record) setting on the phone that seems to take much clearer pictures. John, they were great tasting. Outside of lions mane I believe these honey mushrooms have been my favorite. Nice firm texture even after long cook and that rich earthy classic mushroom taste. I cooked for 30-45 min in tin foil on the grill along with a mixture of peppers, onions and tomatoes from the garden. Made sure to lighly sample. No stomach issues so ate the rest last night. My wife had a sample as well with no issues and she has a weak stomach. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
coastwx Posted September 2, 2014 Author Report Share Posted September 2, 2014 One other point... I assume it was the cooler nights in the 50's a week ago that was the trigger. We've been fairly dry with no rain, so those roots must provide enough moisture. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dave W Posted September 2, 2014 Report Share Posted September 2, 2014 I think you are correct about the temperature trigger, Coastwx. And, although it may have been recently dry in NC, I believe you have had a very wet summer. Such conditions often carry a good summer season right into the fall. Conversely, a very dry summer often leads to poor fall mushroom hunting. After a drought, it takes several significant rain events to get things going. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
coastwx Posted September 9, 2014 Author Report Share Posted September 9, 2014 Thanks for the informative response Dave. Our wet summer has re-emerged after short break. A large area around Raleigh including our home got 6 inches + yesterday. This weekend the longer range models are showing cool air that will drop low temps into the mid 50's with highs in the upper 70's. My shitake logs are turning white now with a couple that popped out early late last week including one suprise Hericium (guess one got mixed up in the shitake plugs) noticed on Sunday. Hopefully I'll have some nice pictures this weekend. I suspect this weekend will be good for hunting :-) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
coastwx Posted September 9, 2014 Author Report Share Posted September 9, 2014 Had to follow up after this last 7 day precip was explored this morning. Our house and many of my mushroom spots are located within the black square. Our home is at the center of the square. Our rain gauge failed, but a neighbor said his 6 inch max overflowed. He said his pond hit overflow for the second time ever. Right at 10 inches over the last week! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dave W Posted September 11, 2014 Report Share Posted September 11, 2014 Wow... It may take a considerable drying period --you read that right, "drying period"-- to get the mushrooms popping again. But it looks like you are set up for some eventual major mushroom madness! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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