Spring is an interesting and exciting time of year for fungi as there are particular species that will only be around during this period. A spring mushroom hunt is more akin to a treasure hunt, as unlike the main autumn flush ( climatic conditions permitting) these spring species are far lower in numbers and fairly specific in their ecological requirements. However these factors make a find all the more rewarding. Here are some of the fungi to look out for in the spring.
St George's Mushroom(Calocybe gambosa) Disciotis venosa
Calocybe gambosa The St George's Mushroom is 'aptly' named as it is supposed to be found on or around the 25th April but in fact the St George's can be found from late March throught to June depending on climatic conditions. It's preferred habitat is unimproved grassland which you may find in old cemeteries and on heathland for instance but they can also be found along the fringes of woodland that meets with unimproved grassland. If well established this mushroom can form large rings which can spread out a fair way so if you spot one there could well be more. This a good edible fungus one of my spring treats if the going is favourable.
Disciotis venosa on the other hand belongs to the same family as the Morels and is actually considered a Morel in other parts of europe where it is held in very high esteem among connesuires of edible fungi. Be warned though this fungus is toxic raw so if eaten it has to be cooked. This odd looking fungus grows on the ground and looks not unlike an ear when fully expanded. It prefers slightly calcareous soils so it could be found on heavy clay, I found a few specimens this year (2003) in South London on clay.
Entoloma aprile is one of the few Entoloma's that fruits only during the spring this species prefering a habitat among moss and Ivy close to various species of Elm. This collection was found in a very small copse upon Hampstead Heath that has an outer ring of Ulmus procera 'English Elm'. This is an uncommon and inedible fungus. This is the third year in a row that this species has fruited at this particular site, it will be interesting to see whether it continues to fruit following the eventual demise of the Elms around which it grows.
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Morchella species, like Entoloma aprile will only appear during the spring months (Feb) March-April (May). These particular specimens seen above were brought to my attention by a very thoughtful and accommodating gentleman and his lady wife from Edmonton who had these lovely fungi springing from a horse manured, woodchip bed upon which he was growing a banana tree an apple tree and Cape Gooseberry. Not bad hey? a nice batch of highly prized, edible Morels thrown into the bargain as well, some folks have all the luck. Morchella are Ascomycetes and belong to the Morchellaceae family. The number of distinct species recognized varies between authors, some believe there are only two distinct species M.elata and M.esculenta while other forms are considered as being varieties of either of the two. Up to date information on the Morchella species is rather unclear but I have now decided due to the distinct ridges that the Morchella specimens pictured fit somewhere in the M.elata complex. M.elata & vars. can be distinguished from M.esculenta & vars. macroscopically in that they have more or less pronounced vertical ridges that have small ladder like ridges running horizontally between them, as well as a more conical cap. M.esculenta & vars. usually have a far more rounded cap with less well defined ribs and deeper irregular cavaties, although some specimens and varieties can have more or less conical caps.
Click here for Winter Fungi, with a few pics and text.