Dyers Mazegill / Summer/ Autumn / Inedible Prepare to enter the realm of nature’s artistic marvels as we delve into the world of the Dyers Mazegill (Phaeolus schweinitzii), an inedible mushroom that captivates with its intricate beauty. Join us on a journey of discovery as we explore the fascinating characteristics…
Category: autumn
Golden Scalycap / Spring / Autumn / Inedible Welcome to an exploration of nature’s intricate beauty as we uncover the distinctive characteristics and identification features of the inedible Golden Scalycap (Pholiota adiposa). Join us on a journey where observation and knowledge intersect. With its striking golden-brown caps and intricate scales,…
Horse Chestnut / All year round / Toxic The ‘nuts’ or ‘conkers’ of Horse Chestnut are a common and familiar sight in autumn, the tree was introduced to the UK from Turkey in the 16th century. Common Names      Horse Chestnut, Conker tree, Buckeye. Botanical Name Aesculus hippocastanum Scientific Classification Kingdom…
As an avid forager, I am always on the lookout for ways to utilize the natural resources around me. One of my favorite finds during the autumn season is horse chestnuts, also known as conkers. These shiny nuts may not be edible, but they have a hidden secret – they…
Lilac Bonnet / Summer / Autumn / Toxic Step into the realm of caution as we unveil the mysterious Lilac Bonnet (Mycena pura), a mushroom that demands respect for its toxic nature. Join us on a journey of awareness and safety as we delve into the risks associated with this…
Rosy Bonnet / Summer / Autumn / Toxic Scientific Name Mycena rosea Common Names Rosy hat, Rosy Bell cap Family Mycenaceae Habitat They are saprotrophic, living off dead matter, they are mostly found in mixed or coniferous woodlands, on acidic soils. Description Less common than the very closely related Lilac…
Reindeer Moss / All Year / Edible Common Names Reindeer lichen, Reindeer cup lichen, Grey reindeer lichen, Caribou moss, Deer moss Botanical Name Cladonia rangiferina Scientific Classification Kingdom – Fungi Order –Lecanorales Family – Cladoniaceae Physical Characteristics of Reindeer Moss While it is colloquially known as a moss, this is…
Old Man’s Beard / All Year / Edible After processing Old Man’s Beard, it can be dried, or powdered and added to energy balls, crackers, and sauces that need thickening. Common Names (this refers to the lichen, not the species of Clematis that goes by the same common name). Tree’s…
Oak Moss / All Year Round / Edible Oak Moss and other Lichens have been used as food and medicine as long as there have been people. Common Names Tree moss Botanical Name Evernia prunastri Scientific Classification Kingdom – Fungi Order –Lecanorales Family – Parmeliaceae Physical Characteristics Grows primarily on…
Lords and Ladies / Spring / Summer / Autumn / Toxic Through this piece, we’re going to look at the full Identification Guide for Lords and Ladies as well as how to make sure we don’t confuse this one with Common or Lambs sorrel, or accidentally pick it amongst our…