March 2020 - One thousand and one warm Thank Yous to DANNY MILLER (educator, speaker, chairperson) of the Puget Sound Mycological Society for his review of our fungus specimens. Some of our identifications were correct but many were unknown or incorrect. We have learned a great deal from Danny Miller about what to look for to pin down 'who' we are seeing out there. See his excellent key here:

http://www.alpental.com/psms/PNWMushrooms/PictorialKey/index.htm

Visit the Puget Sound Mycological Society wesite here:

http://www.psms.org/index.php


Per WIKIPEDIA:

A mushroom is the fleshy, spore-bearing fruiting body of a fungus, typically produced above ground on soil or on its food source.

In general, identification to mushroom genus can often be accomplished in the field using a local mushroom guide. Identification to species, however, requires more effort; one must remember that a mushroom develops from a button stage into a mature structure, and only the latter can provide certain characteristics needed for the identification of the species. However, over-mature specimens lose features and cease producing spores. Many novices have mistaken humid water marks on paper for white spore prints, or discolored paper from oozing liquids on lamella edges for colored spored prints.

Modern identification of mushrooms is quickly becoming molecular.

We enjoy mushroom photography since the varieties are almost endless, the colors are beautiful, and the subjects stay put! Enjoy!