Eastern American Jack-o-lantern (Omphalotus illudens)
by iNaturalist user drmbridges1 (https://www.inaturalist.org/observations/249520002)
Things are getting creepy up north! In celebration of the spooky season, check out these frightening fungi that you can find in your backyard!
Eastern American Jack-O’-Lantern Mushroom (Omphalotus illudens)
A bright orange mushroom with weak bioluminescence. In addition to having a Halloween color and name, this species goes the extra mile, as it is also poisonous.
Found: All over VT
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Witch’s Butter (Tremella mesenterica)
A bright yellow or orange jelly fungus that grows on the branches of flowering trees in fall.
Found: All over VT
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Devil’s Urn (Urnula craterium)
A parasitic cup fungus that grows on oaks and other hardwood species. The asexual stage of this organism causes cankers on trees.
Found: mostly on the western-central edge of VT
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Dead Man’s Fingers (Xylaria polymorpha)
A common species typically found at the bottom of dead or decaying trees.
Found: All over VT
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Scarlet Caterpillar Club (Cordyceps militaris)
This is one of the many species of cordyceps that parasitizes insects. This particular organism takes over the bodies of caterpillars and controls their behavior (think The Last of Us).
Found: All over VT
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Fairy Ring Marasmius (Marasmius oreades)
One of many species of fungi that grows in rings. The folklore surrounding the species says that those unlucky enough to accidentally step into the circle of mushrooms will be whisked away by the fairy folk.
Found: All over VT, but rare.
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Eastern North American Destroying Angel (Amanita bisporigera)
One of the most toxic Amanita in North America. Consuming this fungus causes deadly outcomes like liver failure, kidney failure, and blood clotting, just to name a few.
Found: All over VT
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Mushrooms are fascinating both in color and shapes. They add an extra element when exploring the woods.
Sue Wetmore