June Rains Bring Fungi

 

We’ve had some good rains lately and the extra moisture has not gone unnoticed by all living things. An assortment of fungi has decided that now is their time and their fruiting bodies are showing up in the woods, in the lawn, even on fallen tree branches (I’m not sure if the fungi sprouted before or after the branches fell). They come in a variety of colors, shapes, sizes – just like plants. There are more of them, you know. This article estimates that there are 6 times more undiscovered fungi species  if we studied them as thoroughly as we should.

Bright colors really pop!

These urn-like fungi seem to like branches

They are an important part of our natural ecosystems and my snapshot of what is happening now is a poor excuse for understanding just how complex they are. Even I know that what fungi we find is related to what plants are growing with it/them. Follow any mushroom group (and you should) and you’ll see people looking for certain plants so that they can find specific mushrooms.

A grouping of tiny brown ones in the lawn

Growing on a fallen twig

Just like flowers, these fruiting bodies that we call mushrooms only last for a little while. Some that I saw a week ago are nowhere to be found now while new and different ones appear almost daily. Enjoy their special time while we get to take a break from having to water our plants!

This bolete mushroom has a tiny insect

Look at that!