LICHENS/FUNGI (STATION #3)

FUNGI

TURKEY TAIL MUSHROOM

The Turkey Tail Mushroom (Trametes versicolor) is a mushroom that can easily be found in the Northwest without trying very hard. It is a polypore mushroom that is composed of several colors although it is mainly seen in various shades of brown, ranging from dark to light. The cap is a leathery texture and feels a bit like foam. This specimen grows most commonly on the base of trees and are seen in clusters. 

OYSTER MUSHROOM

The Oyster Mushroom (Pleurotus Oystreatus) is a deciduous mushroom that is found mainly in the summer. This photo above shows the mushrooms growing on a log. I originally thought that this was an immature Giant Puffball (Calvatia gigantea) but after re-visiting this location, I looked at the gills of the mushroom and identified the mushroom correctly. Most of the caps on these mushrooms were laterally attached which is common for the oyster Mushroom. The spores were very smooth to the touch and felt a little moist. I found out after researching this mushroom that it is very tasty to eat and one of the most common eaten mushroom. It would go great in a stir-fry!

ARTIST'S BRACKET MUSHROOM

Artist's Bracket (Ganoderma applanatum) is also found at the base of tree's like most fungi. This Mushroom is mostly chocolate brown with a white underbody. It is velvety to the touch and is a hard/woody texture. The spore bodies of this mushroom can be from 10-14 inches. They are inedible, so do not try and eat them! Most of the Artist's Bracket within Ravenna Park are located on Douglas Fir tree's. 

LICHEN

OAKMOSS LICHEN

Oakmoss lichen (Evernia prunastri) is pale yellow to green looking and has forked branches. This lichen tends to grow on twigs and branches, mainly broadleaf trees and shrubs. 

Lichens and Fungi were not the easiest to find at Ravenna, it requires quite a search as I am sure most Fungi's and Lichen's do. Lichens were typically found on trees and Fungi was found near the base of trees. This station is widely spread but I found the most species on the Northwest side of the park off the main trail.