Top 20 Most Common Mushrooms in Seekonk
Welcome to our in-depth glance into the world of the Top 20 most common mushrooms that paint the intricate fungal landscape of Seekonk. Bathed in rich history and enveloped in lush greenery, Seekonk boasts an impressive variety of mushrooms. Our investigation will reveal the 20 most prevalent species, demystifying the mushroom biodiversity present in the captivating temperate landscapes of Seekonk.
Most Common Mushrooms
1. Birch polypore
The birch polypore has a variety of applications. Its thick skin has been used by barbers as a razor sharpener and as a mount for insect collectors. When dried, this mushroom was also used to carry fire over long distances because it burns slowly. The historical use of birch polypore doesn't stop there; pieces of this mushroom were found being carried by the five-thousand-year-old mummy Ötzi the Iceman.
2. Chicken of the woods
Chicken of the woods is very noticeable in hardwood forests, appearing in clusters on standing tree trunks in bright orange and yellow hues that sometimes last through the entire winter. It is a parasite that causes an unfortunate brown heart rot, and is considered a particularly troublesome pest of Yew trees. If the fruitbodies can be seen, the tree is likely already beyond saving.
3. Fly agaric
In Northern Asia and Europe, fly agaric grows under trees near the winter solstice and is collected for ritual use tied to the season. Its characteristic shape and coloring are still ubiquitous in many European fairy tale illustrations and Christmas traditions. It is highly toxic.
4. Smooth rock tripe
Smooth rock tripe is one of the largest types of lichen in the world. The vegetative part of a lichen's body has been recorded reaching 63 cm across. Though directly translating to "small-breasted," the mammulata epithet was given because many specimens develop a navel-like shape. The common name of "tripe" references its similarity to the food of the same name.
5. Turkey tail
The distinctively-striped turkey tail fungus grows on stumps and logs all over the forests of the northern hemisphere. It is, in fact, probably the most common species you will find. That doesn't mean this mushroom is plain, however; each cap is uniquely patterned. Look for bands of alternating textures as well as color.
6. Cedar-apple rust
The vividly-colored fruitbodies of cedar-apple rust (Gymnosporangium juniperi-virginianae) might be mistaken for flowers, from a distance. Upon closer inspection they can be identified as fungal growths attacking the fruit of cedar trees. Their microscopic spores can travel up to an astounding 5 miles when carried on the wind and infect cedars quite far away, weakening the trees as they grow.
7. Black knot
The appearance of black knot (Apiosporina morbosa) is commonly found on various fruit-bearing trees and looks more like abnormally growing bark than it does a fungus. In youth, this bulbous growth is a lighter green but rapidly turns to dark brown and black. Black knot can kill trees and is not easily controllable using fungicides.
8. Spotted cort
Spotted cort thrives in oak forests due to the mutually beneficial relationship it has with the trees’ roots. The mushroom provides nutrition to the tree and keeps the soil chemistry favorable for both species. The lavender-hued caps make spotted cort easy to identify, even when brown age spots start to appear.
9. Dryad's saddle
A familiar sight to spring morel hunters, dryad's saddle is noteworthy for its large size, striking scales, and watermelon-like smell. Similar to other mushrooms in the bracket fungi family, dryad's saddle can be used to make paper. Younger mushrooms are better suited for this purpose due to their smaller and more consistent fibers.
10. Common greenshield lichen
The common greenshield lichen is a familiar species in temperate forests around the world. It can be found growing on rock outcroppings and trees in a wide variety of habitats. Individuals can grow to be quite large and may be gregarious, forming large mats or sheets on suitable surfaces. Like other lichens, the common greenshield lichen will shrivel and harden when moisture is scarce.
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