Oak Mazegill / Autumn / Summer / Winter / Inedible One of the joys of walking through ancient woodlands is spotting the fascinating fungi that make their home on old, weathered trees. Among these, the Daedalea quercina, or oak mazegill, stands out as a true marvel of nature. Clinging…
Category: mushroom identification

Poplar Bell Fungus / Autumn / Inedible There’s something truly special about stumbling across a rare find in the woods—one of those moments when you feel like you’ve uncovered a hidden treasure. That’s exactly how I felt the first time I spotted the Schizophyllum amplum, better known as the poplar…

Dog Stinkhorn / Summer / Autumn / Inedible Dog Stinkhorn (Mutinus caninus) is one of those fascinating yet divisive fungi that foragers love to learn about – or love to avoid! With its unique shape, bold colours, and, let’s be honest, unforgettable odour, it’s certainly one of the most distinctive…

Spotted Toughshank / Summer / Autumn / Inedible The Spotted Toughshank (Rhodocollybia maculata), is a common woodland species that catches the eye with its distinct appearance yet isn’t suitable for the table. Known for its pale, cream-to-tan cap speckled with characteristic dark spots, this tough and fibrous mushroom is more…

Shaggy Scalycap / Summer / Autumn / Inedible The Shaggy Scalycap is the one mushroom you could potentially confuse with the edible honey fungus mushroom, it’s well worth getting to know as we come across it regularly. Scientific Name Pholiota squarrosa Common Names Shaggy Scalycap Family Strophariaceae Habitat They are…

Deadly Webcap / Summer / Autumn / Winter / Deadly Toxic The Deadly Webcap (Cortinarius rubellus) is one of the most dangerous mushrooms found in the UK, European and North American forests. With its deceptively ordinary appearance, this species has been responsible for numerous cases of severe poisoning and fatalities.…

Tripe Fungus / Autumn / Inedible The Tripe Fungus (Auricularia mesenterica) is an unusual and eye-catching mushroom, often found on the decaying wood of broadleaf trees across the UK, Europe, North America, and parts of Asia. Named for its resemblance to animal tripe, this fungi features a distinctive layered structure…