Spooky fungi to spot this season
Can you find these creepy creations from the natural world? Here's what to look for.
Jelly ear
It gets its name because it looks and feels just like a wobbly ear. They will be listening...
Chris Lawrence
Where to find it: Grows on decaying wood, especially elder trees in damp, shaded areas.
What to look for: Soft, brownish, ear-shaped fungi with a jelly-like texture.
Puffball
Called a puffball because it releases a cloud of spores in a puff when squeezed or stepped on.
WildNet - Karen Lloyd
Where to find it: Found in grassy fields, meadows, and forest clearings.
What to look for: Round, white or brown, ball-like fungi that puff out spores when touched.
Deathcap
Has a seriously spooky name because it's extremely poisonous, even deadly, if eaten!
Canva
Where to find it: Grows in wooded areas, especially near oak and beech trees.
What to look for: Pale green or white mushroom with a smooth cap and white gills.
Earth tongue
Named because it looks like the earth is sticking out it's many tongues from the ground, tasting the air around.
WildNet - Amy Lewis
Where to find it: Found in grassy meadows, mossy areas, or woodland soil, often among decaying plant matter.
What to look for: Small, dark, tongue-shaped fungi, usually black or brown, poking up like little tongues from the ground.
Witch's butter
Called witch’s butter because legend says witches would use it to curse people’s homes, or it resembles melted butter used in spells.
Witch's butter fungi
Where to find it: Found on decaying wood, especially fallen branches in damp forests.
What to look for: Bright yellow, jelly-like blobs that look squishy and slimy.
Stinkhorn
Named stinkhorn because it has a strong, unpleasant odour that attracts flies.
Stinkhorn mushroom
Where to find it: Common in woodlands and gardens, often found around decaying plant matter.
What to look for: Tall, slimy, and smelly, with a tip that looks like a horn.
Dead man's fingers
The creepiest of them all? They resemble creepy, withered fingers reaching out from the earth.
Chris Lawrence
Where to find it: Found on decaying wood, especially tree stumps or logs in forests.
What to look for: Look like eerie black or dark blue finger-like fungi poking out of the ground.
