Snowberry / Autumn / Winter / Toxic The Snowberry (Symphoricarpos albus) is a striking shrub originationg in North America. It adds a touch of magic to UK hedgerows and gardens, especially in autumn and winter. Its clusters of pristine white berries stand out against the bare landscape, making it a…
Category: winter
Clematis / Summer / Autumn / Inedible Clematis vitalba, often called Traveller’s Joy or Old Man’s Beard, is a familiar sight in hedgerows and woodlands across the UK. This vigorous climbing plant is known for its feathery seed heads and clusters of creamy white flowers that brighten the countryside in…
Tuberous polypore / Spring / Summer / Autumn / Winter / Edible The Tuberous Polypore (Polyporus tuberaster) is a delightful find for me. Known for its edible qualities and distinctive growth habit, this mushroom grows from an underground sclerotium—a hard, tuber-like structure that gives it its name. Found on dead…
Splitgills / Spring / Summer / Autumn / Winter / Inedible The Splitgill (Schizophyllum commune) might be small in size, but it’s a giant when it comes to intrigue. This delicate, fan-shaped fungus is one of the most widespread mushrooms on the planet, thriving on deadwood in a variety of…
Smokey Bracket / Spring / Summer / Autumn / Winter / Edible The Smokey Bracket (Bjerkandera adusta) is a subtle yet fascinating fungus that you’ve likely walked past countless times without even noticing. Found on decaying wood, especially hardwoods, it’s a common sight in UK woodlands year-round. Its smoky-grey…
This sweet chestnut puree is a great treat and can be made when the Chestnuts are at their very best, then its ready and easily at hand to add to any recipe that calls for it or used as a replacement for peanut butter. I often make this and…
Cinnamon Bracket / Spring / Summer / Autumn / Winter / Toxic The Cinnamon Bracket (Hapalopilus nidulans) is one of those mushrooms that stops you in your tracks during a woodland walk. Its warm, cinnamon-brown colour and soft, velvety texture make it stand out against the dull greys and greens…
Fenugreek Milkcap / Autumn / Winter / Toxic The Fenugreek Milkcap (Lactarius helvus) is a striking mushroom that stands out not just for its appearance but for its unusual, spicy aroma reminiscent of fenugreek or maple syrup. Found in acidic, mossy woodlands across the UK, particularly around pine trees, this…
Egghead Mottlegill /Spring / Summer / Autumn / Winter / Inedible The first time I came across the Egg head Mottlegill (Panaeolus semiovatus), I was struck by its delicate, egg-shaped cap and intricate mottled gills. This is one of those fungi that catches your eye in horse pastures and other…
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…