Category: Mushrooms and Fungi

Observer: Paul Lauenstein Observation Date: 9/30/10 Observation Time: 6:10 p.m. Observation Location: Gavins Pond Road Common Name: Fly Agaric mushroom Scientific Name: Amanita muscaria Comments: Mushrooms of the genus Amanita account for most mushroom-related deaths. See: http://www.a1b2c3.com/drugs/var012.htm

Observer: Kurt Buermann Observation Date: 7/14/13 Observation Time: 11:00 a.m. Observation Location: backyard Common Name: Bondarzewia Scientific Name: Bondarzewia berkeleyi Comments: This was growing on an old oak stump. Very large, 2 ft long clusters. It grew very quickly, over a day or so. This is not chicken-of-the-woods, but is edible if gathered when very young. More Information: MushroomExpert.com  

Observer: Paul Lauenstein Observation Date: 9/9/12 Observation Time: 2:50 p.m. Observation Location: Sandy Ridge Circle Common Name: Pigskin Poison Puffball Scientific Name: Scleroderma citrinum Comments: Also known as “common earthball,” this yellow-white spherical fungus has no stem. It eventually bursts open to release spores. More Information: Common Earthball

Observer: Paul Lauenstein Observation Date: 5/30/10 Observation Time: 4:00 p.m. Observation Location: Moose Hill Audubon Wildlife Sanctuary Common Name: Violet toothed polypore Scientific Name: Trichaptum biforme Comments: Tree fungus growing on a dead tree. The specimens in this photo are past their prime. Younger specimens exhibit a violet fringe that gives this fungus its name. See http://www.flickr.com/photos/ophis/3067412819/ More Information: InsectImages