mushroom

Shaggy Mane, the white mushrooms that seem to appear overnight when we have cool damp weather.  Also called "Lawyers Wig", both names invoke the hairy scales its botanical name defines Coprinus comatus (coma is 'hair').

mushrooms

The woods is full of mushrooms.  These are growing on a downed buckthorn branch.

mushrooms in the woods

The summer weather has been wonderful, and with frequent rain lately the mushrooms are numerous.  I have not studied that chapter in nature yet, so just admire them for their beauty!  These were in the woods along the path near some fallen logs.

woodland mushrooms

wildflowers

In the woods today, Solomon's Seal, Rue, Violets, and Trout Lily.  After the very cold wet months of April and May, native wildflowers seem happy to be emerging from the leaf litter. 

 

 

 

the mushroom tree

First snow for this season; an inch of fluff last night and more on the way.  This tree, viewed from along the path through the woods, is the fallen elm that supports an assortment of fungi (including the one below).

shelf mushroom

 

This "shelf mushroom" was growing on a tree in the woods all summer.  This type grows on trees that are probably rotting inside, so there may be a new woodpecker tree in our future.  The mushroom looked vital from all angles, so I snapped photos thinking I would draw or paint it later.  Now, after some frosty nights, it is even more interesting.  Which one to draw . . . ?

along the woodland path