Magnificent Mushrooms! #12

DISCLAIMER: This post is for information and interest only and is not a definitive guide to mushroom identification. If you want to pick wild mushrooms to eat you should go with someone who is experienced so you can learn which mushrooms are edible and which are not.

Hi everyone! Welcome back to another look at some amazing and different mushrooms. I’m trying to pick out a selection of different mushrooms that perhaps we don’t see quite so often as some, although I will look at some of the more common varieties too. Today, however, we will look at one that I don’t see very often in our area, and that is the Common Brown Cup mushroom. These mushrooms are anywhere from 1 to 4 inches (2.5 to 10cm) across.

Notice that this particular cup mushroom is heart shaped. It is not normally like this.

The one in my photo is a bit less than 2 inches (5cm) across. They are unusual in that they form a cup shape. They will grow right on the ground, with no stem and sometimes can be found growing on a rotting log or stump. They like areas with lots of White Pine trees, but any areas with conifers are good places to look for these mushrooms. This mushroom is edible, but does not taste that good and should be left alone since it can be confused with other cup mushrooms that are not edible.

These mushrooms are brittle and will crumble easily. They can look translucent when in direct sunlight. They can be found singly or sometimes in small groups, and are found in spring to early summer. One thing is certain, they are a good mushroom to add to your photo collection. Have a great day everyone and God bless!

Steve and Muffin.

©2024 Steve McLeod.