Club VP Joe Brandt was the leader of this walk at the historic Putnam Memorial State Park. Although we didn't record the appearance of very many fungi, we did have a spectacular picnic with delicious contributions from all participants, particularly VP Kathy Brandt and Anne Fitzpatrick.We did find the usual Stereums and Polypores which are nearly always growing on wood. The most interesting find from my point of view was a Polyporus radicatus found by Jim Zavidniak. It was quite a large specimen. Jim also found Coprinopsis atramentaria (syn. Coprinus atramentarius) in the grass by the parking area. This mushroom deliquesces as the black spores mature and release. Since it contains the same chemical used to help alcoholics refrain from drinking, it is advisable not to eat this mushroom if you have had any alcohol within the previous week and don't intend to drink any for another week. If you do, you will likely feel rather sick to your stomach. Like other 'inky caps' these mushrooms should be picked before they start to dissolve into a liquid mess and then be cooked immediately.
Please click each photo to see a larger version.
Dianna