Comb Tooth Fungi

Comb Tooth Fungi (c) 2012 High Virginia Images

I was walking the dogs on Wednesday, near the Shavers Fork River in Randolph County and noticed this white fungi on a rotted log. I had seen this species before, but didn't pay much attention to it. I thought it was one of the coral fungi. Comb Tooth (Hericium ramosum) is supposed to be a good edible. It grows on dead wood. Being a very pretty fungi, I didn't even think of it as an edible, until I looked it up. I plan on trying this one if I find some again.

Ramp Seeds

Ramp Seeds

The Ramp is the king of spring, in the Appalachian Highlands. This member of the Allium family can be smelled from numerous towns and campsites.  But, have you ever seen the seed; from which the tasty leek is born?  This is the seed head of the Ramp (Allium tricoccum). This photo was taken in September.  The seeds will fall to the ground and sprout from the leaf litter of the forest floor and bring on a new generation of the pungent leek.

Honey Mushrooms



Honey Mushroom

 The Honey Mushroom (Armillaria sp.) is a common fall mushroom. It occurs on decaying wood. This mushroom is poisonous when raw, but is edible after it has been well cooked. I believe this photo is of the Ringless Honey Mushroom (A. tabescens). Three different species are found in our area.

Before gathering any wild mushroom for consumption; make sure that you know what you are getting. The best reference that I have found, for our region is "Mushrooms of West Virginia and the Central Appalachians" by William C. Roody. This mushroom is a serious forest pathogen. Wood which has been permeated by the mycelium of this fungus, produce the luminescens which are known as "Foxfire".

Chicken of the Woods

The Chicken of the Woods (Laetiporus sulphureus var.) is without a doubt; my favorite edible mushroom. It is a shelf mushroom, which grows on decaying wood.
The color really stands out, especially on a rainy day. I saw these on a stump yesterday; from about a hundred yards away.
I was only fortunate enough to find one clump last year and wasn't able to enjoy the delectable flavor. I had the Hog Flu and couldn't taste anything.
These, which I found yesterday are just about enough to make you want some more.