Inonotus obliquus – Chaga
Chaga (Inonotus obliquus) is a medicinal mycelial mass that can be found growing on birch trees. Chaga is a parasite that infects scarred birch trees and will kill the tree within 80 years. It can be found growing in colder regions throughout the world. It is thought to be best harvested in the winter when […]
Dacrymyces chrysospermus – Orange Jelly Fungus
Orange Jelly Fungus (Dacrymyces chrysospermus) is an edible mushroom that can be found year-round after heavy rains. Orange jelly fungus is found on conifers, often where bark is peeling off. It has a white base where the cap attaches to the wood. Orange jelly fungus is most often confused with Witches butter (Tremella mesenterica) which […]
Auricularia spp. – Wood Ears
Wood ears (Auricularia spp.) are edible jelly fungi that are commonly eaten in Asia. It is best to search for them the day after a large rainfall. Wood ears prefer cooler weather but could appear any time of the year. There are two wood ear species that grow in Connecticut. Auricularia americana grows on conifers, […]