I have been posting often on the new SIMA facebook site, but I see that most of our members are not on there. I thought I would post an update here as well for those still using this blog.

With the recent moisture, I've started seeing various fungus fruiting. The first is a picture of Coprinellus micaceus. I finally found a group fruiting off a stump with spreading roots. I've always wanted to try this edible, but they are usually going inky by the time I find them, even if they have popped up during the previous 24 hours. On this stump, however, I was able to follow the roots and find fresh clumps that had barely broken the surface. After sorting and cleaning, they provided a very tasty bowlful of fungus to add to our scrambled eggs and asparagus. I will definitely be trying harder to collect this one in the future!

Next is the almost ubiquitous Coprinus comatus, or shaggymane. Just a few in a reliable lawn berm. I decided last year once and for all that I don't like the mushy texture, but I do like the taste and, especially, how plentiful they often are when nothing else seems to be growing. So, I make mine into soup or sometimes duxelles to freeze for later.

I found a lot of oyster mushrooms last year and really came to love them - especially their fragrance when fresh. I'd been out looking for them for more than a month this year with very little luck until last week. I chose a picture of one that looks like it's mooning passers-by. It was very easy to see from the greenbelt. =)

Finally, one I haven't identified yet, but Genille and Bob are thinking perhaps it is a young Spogiporus leucospongia. It feels like proofed bread dough. Slightly squishy, but leathery on the outside. I have to go back and see if I can identify any pores.

Happy hunting! Please let us all know when the morels start popping. I have been following some Oregon and Washington sites and it looks like they are showing up close to, if not at, our elevation now. I hope to see them here soon!

Krista W.