Mushrooms at NEMF

[Dave W]

My wife and I participated in the Northeast Mycological Federation (NEMF) foray in New London, Connecticut. Karen found these beautiful tooth mushrooms.

An ID was not determined at the foray. I posted the collection at Mushroom Observer, and an interesting discussion followed.

http://mushroomobserver.org/212558?q=2cjWw

I found this majestic Amanita, A. atkinsoniana.

There were lots of pretty coral mushrooms in the Connecticut woods.

Edibles...? Aside from some large Lactarius currugis that came in, not much in the way of edibles collected. But the folks at COMA (Connecticut-Westchester Mycological Association) had this covered. The Mycophagy session --samples of tasty mushroom dishes-- was incredible. It's certain to attain legendary status. Creative dishes featuring Morels, King Boletes, Black Trumpets, Chanterelles, Hen of the Woods... Delicious hand-crafted single servings, with wine or beer available fro additional good cheer!

[brianf]

That toothed mushroom. I see that all the time. It's dense, almost like rubber correct? I figured it as either phellodon, phaeolus, or hydnellum. I see that discussion seems in agreement with hydnellum. It's one of the most persistent fungus I've ever seen growing. It looks pristine for weeks before turning a dull brown/tan and doesn't seem to completely rot. When fresh, it's almost a dark rusty/brown color. I'll grab some next time I see it. It's spicy, mealy, and they smell like wet animal as well. I wouldn't eat this mushroom.

I would eat those coral mushrooms. I consider ramaria's to be edible, but I have seen it act as a laxative in people who are rather congested. Other than that, the only coral fungus that should be avoided are the clavaria's. I personally would approach any new corals with caution, but I've eaten tons and have never had the slightest issue. I actually add a few "sprigs" or ramaria to my teas.

Adds a nice layer of somewhat nutty flavor.

[Dave W]

The coral pictured is indeed a Ramaria. I don't eat any corals, although Clavulina cristata is supposedly pretty good.

The toothed fungus was eventually IDed as Hydnellum/Sarcodon piperatus. Brian, you're the second New Englander who has told me this type is not uncommon. It was a new species for me.

[brianf]

I find it hugging the trail edges in moss. Usually surrounding small/young oaks and maples. Most of the time it's actually much smaller than the ones in those pictures. But you'll see larger ones as well. I'll pull one out as soon as I get back out and post some photos. New England has been pumping up the mushroom volume this season. Even with the lower than average rainfall over the last six weeks or so. We have a bunch of toothed mushrooms I'm unfamiliar with past visual id. We have another white one that grows on rotting wood that has a consistency of cork that smells sweet. New England's mushroom diversity is incredible. I'm really hoping good ol NH has what takes to keep churning out both the spring and fall edulis seasons. I love New Hampshire!

[Dave W]

I sometimes spend time during August in the Green Mountains of Vermont. Unless it's an ongoing drought, the fungal scene is pretty awesome up there. I once did some hiking/camping in the White Mountains of NH. Also awesome.

[John Smalldridge]

It seems like elevation is a good thing when it comes to mushrooms during a drought year. I was up at Mt. Mitchell in N.C. a few weeks ago and they are having such a bad drought year that I didn't even give the trout fishing much of a go because of low water. I did however see lots of mushrooms. My guess is this is caused by the heavy dew and fog / clouds that cover the mountain tops in the early and late part of the day. This must provide enough moisture for the mushrooms to fruit.

[brianf]

RIght on with that assessment John. You get much greater fluctuation's in temps as well. While I agree with the elevation, it doesn't explain why my area is still producing decent numbers and the occasional large flush. The highest point around here is about 600 ft above sea level versus the white mountain's 4000+. This is "god's" country in my humble opinion.