Magnificent Mushrooms! #14

DISCLAIMER: This post is for information and interest only, it should not be considered a guide to edible wild mushrooms. Always go with a knowledgeable person when picking wild mushrooms.

Hi everyone! I am back with a look at another interesting wild mushroom. There is such a large variety of wild mushrooms that they are a great part of the natural landscape for photography purposes. I enjoy taking pictures of mushrooms, although they can be tricky to photograph at times depending on exactly where they are growing, and their size.

Some are very tiny which can make it difficult to get a good picture of them. Sometimes they are found growing in difficult places, like in the middle of a shrub, which has happened for me. Or over the side of a hill, like a straight up and down hill, hanging over the river. That also has happened to me. Anyway, today we have a mushroom called “Big Laughing Gym”.

Big Laughing Gym mushroom.

The cap of the one in my photo is about 5 inches (12.5cm) across, though it can get bigger. These are not particularly common, but they are widespread in distribution. This one acted as a type of umbrella over the entrance to Scramble’s storage tunnels. Scramble was a squirrel that became very friendly with me. I always wondered why he didn’t eat this one, since he did eat other mushrooms.

By the way, just because an animal can eat a mushroom DOES NOT mean it can be eaten by humans. These mushrooms can be found from July through to fall. They live on decaying wood, usually that is buried underground. This mushroom SHOULD NOT BE EATEN. It contains a substance similar to LSD and produces the same effects. This mushroom is highly toxic and can cause serious problems. Possession of this mushroom is illegal. Have a great day everyone and God bless!

Steve and Muffin.

©2024 Steve McLeod.