I saw this fungus growing on a small Yellow Birch tree yesterday in the southern Adirondacks Forest Preserve. Anyone know what it is?
(https://forestryforum.com/gallery/albums/userpics/50283/DSCN3098.JPG?easyrotate_cache=1690418014)
(https://forestryforum.com/gallery/albums/userpics/50283/DSCN3098.JPG?easyrotate_cache=1690418014)
(https://forestryforum.com/gallery/albums/userpics/50283/RSCN3102~0.JPG?easyrotate_cache=1690419169)
Looks like a type of oyster, looks like decurrent gills, but an expert would know for sure.
Michelle was up in the woods walking the dog while I was grinding yesterday. score!
(https://forestryforum.com/gallery/albums/userpics/10017/chanterelles.jpg?easyrotate_cache=1691326476)
Don, Is your fungus the same as in my photo?
Sorry, no, I was just playing "what kind of fungus". Those are chantarelles and grow in soil. There is a kinda lookalike that grows on wood on or in the ground, a jack o lantern that is toxic.
An employee of mine branched out and grows mushrooms in a controlled environment for us, lions Mane, oysters, etc. Folks ask why we don't forage in the woods for them. My go to answer is that because I don't know the difference between Chicken of the Woods and it's (made up) cousin Rooster of the Woods which is toxic and causes a slow, painful, death. Saw first hand what can happen when you pick the wrong fungus.
It does appear to be oysters. If the gills run into each other with intersections. I don't like them. Wife does.
We have a couple here in RI that are wild mushroom experts. https://mushroomhunting.org/
I have attended one of there presentations and signed up for their news letter. When I find mushrooms , which are plentiful this year, I send a couple pics to them. They give feedback as to what is is or most likely is and info about it. For fee they will come and walk a couple hours with you collecting and teaching. Then for additional fee will use your kitchen to cook anything edible found. They eat it first!
Thanks for the responses. I did not eat any of it and I am here to post about it!