Today's post is about leaves. All the ones below were picked in my garden yesterday.
No, I've not diverted from mushrooms entirely (just yet). It's just that knowing what trees grow in a given area can help you identify mushrooms more accurately.
Plus, my enthusiasm for mushrooms is about more than simply eating them. It's about the process of finding them — being a magpie — and yes, engaging with nature.
So understanding the relationship between mushrooms and trees is important. It's good to know if you're looking in a hardwood forest (oak, birch, beech) or a softwood forest (which is made up of needle-bearing trees, such as spruce or pine).
When I picked these leaves, I really struggled to put a name to each and every one of them, so this has been eye-opening. I'm hoping I got all of them right! And as I learn more about what mushrooms typically grow near, on or under which trees, I'll update the list...
Oak
No, I've not diverted from mushrooms entirely (just yet). It's just that knowing what trees grow in a given area can help you identify mushrooms more accurately.
Plus, my enthusiasm for mushrooms is about more than simply eating them. It's about the process of finding them — being a magpie — and yes, engaging with nature.
So understanding the relationship between mushrooms and trees is important. It's good to know if you're looking in a hardwood forest (oak, birch, beech) or a softwood forest (which is made up of needle-bearing trees, such as spruce or pine).
When I picked these leaves, I really struggled to put a name to each and every one of them, so this has been eye-opening. I'm hoping I got all of them right! And as I learn more about what mushrooms typically grow near, on or under which trees, I'll update the list...
Oak
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| Oak leaf |
You are likely to find lovely juicy red Beefsteak Fungus and my favourite, Chicken of the Woods, on hardwood trees like the magnificent oak. It's also possible to find Chanterelle mushrooms growing near oak trees (or pine). White truffles can also be found in the roots of the tree.
Some boletes grow on the ground near oak trees, too: like the Red Aspen bolete, chestnut bolete and summer bolete. And if the oak is growing on sandy soil, there might be a Caesar's mushroom or two. Also look out for the wonderful Cep mushroom.
Some boletes grow on the ground near oak trees, too: like the Red Aspen bolete, chestnut bolete and summer bolete. And if the oak is growing on sandy soil, there might be a Caesar's mushroom or two. Also look out for the wonderful Cep mushroom.
Beech
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| Beech leaves |
These are the ones that go all lovely different shades in autumn. Under the soil of beech trees, near the roots, it is possible to find summer truffles. Above ground, expect Gypsy mushrooms and Charcoal Burners.
In the leaf litter, there may be deceivers, like the Amethyst Deceiver, Aniseed funnel caps and Yellow Swamp Russulas. Also look out for the wonderful Cep mushroom.
Ash
In the leaf litter, there may be deceivers, like the Amethyst Deceiver, Aniseed funnel caps and Yellow Swamp Russulas. Also look out for the wonderful Cep mushroom.
Ash
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| Ash leaves |
Morels — which are delicious — have a tendency to grow near ash trees, though ash is mostly associated with Black Morels.
(Morels can also be found under apple trees).
Hawthorn
Parasol mushrooms may grow in fairy rings around mature Hawthorne trees, so keep your eyes peeled. Also, thimble morels can be found under hawthorn scru
Holly
Holly
these are beautiful, an artistic and essential guide to the keystone of nature.
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