A Fun-Loving Guide to the Natural World for Kids and Adults

Of Mystery Mushrooms and Rare Plants

On a casual romp through the woods the other day, we came upon a humongous mushroom. A bit more searching and we discovered others of the same species growing nearby (though not of this massive size). Kenton was almost positive that we had found a Boletus edulis — a Porcini — even though we didn’t think they grew in Wisconsin. Some research at home confused the issue — it turns out that genus boletus is being restructured all the time, and that ‘true’ Boletus edulis may not even grow in North America.

Our enthusiasm wasn’t affected, however, so we continued to work on identifying the mushroom. No bruising . . . good. Another point for edulis. Reticulation on the upper stem . . . another edulis trait. Everything looked right. All we had left to do was try a spore print, but Kenton was too eager (bad, bad Kenton!), and decided to try a little nibble.

Now, as anyone who knows anything about mushrooms knows, this is not a good idea. Mushrooms can contain some pretty potent toxins, and since we’d barely rank as amateur mushroomers (our harvest is limited to puffballs, morels, chicken of the woods, and hen of the woods), his action was foolhardy at best. Especially as the mushroom did not have the expected pleasant taste. It wasn’t horrible, but it did have a mild bitter taste.

The next day, when we observed our spore prints, the color was totally wrong (bright rust red, instead of olive-brown). We were stumped on our ID, and Kenton reluctantly returned the mushroom to the woods.

The day gave us another surprise, however, as we discovered an elusive and beautiful plant that was once almost extirpated from the Wisconsin forests due to over-harvesting. Does anyone recognize it?

12 Responses to “Of Mystery Mushrooms and Rare Plants”

  1. That looks like ginseng to me, tucked in among dewberry leaves. Yes, it sure is a rare plant. Congratulations on finding it.

    By the way, how’s Kenton feeling today? That sure was a foolhardy thing to do, tasting a mushroom you weren’t absolutely sure of. I don’t know if there are any deadly species among the boletes, but there sure are some that taste bad and could make you pretty sick. So stop that!

  2. Sure hope Kenton’s brain didn’t turn to goo, wonderful ginseng.

  3. Hi Jackie,

    He’s been properly reprimanded, though it’s tough to get him to stop doing foolhardy things. He’s feeling great by the way — thanks for asking! And right on with the ginseng — good to see it growing out there.

  4. Hi Ken,

    Little hope for Kenton’s brain, as it was already pretty much goo =) He’s still feeling great, though you can get sick many days later, so we’ll see.

  5. I just started my own website and blog over the last year and I came across your wonderful nature blog. I love the picture of you two in the sidebar…you both look so happy. I’m about to start writing more about nature and survival and will definitely recommend your site. I love that’s it’s filled with not only information but stories about your adventures as well. I just have one question for Kenton…where did you find such a beautiful woman who loves nature and the outdoors as much as you do? :)…good luck to you both and keep up the good work

  6. Hi Will!

    Yeah, I’m pretty lucky when it comes to Rebecca =)

    We visited your site — WOW! That’s so cool, all of your adventures and the entire philosophy behind it. We’re very eager to explore your site more, and will be putting you in our ‘Awesome Nature Blogs’ blogroll. Love the urban adventuring — a passion of ours, as well!

  7. I had a friend who found a similar mushroom in her yard. It was also humungus. She not only ate it, she cooked it first. Didn’t die from it, but it was a pretty foolhardy thing to do.

  8. Hi Kenton and Rebecca-

    What a great, fun site! I started a blog just this summer based on the natural world in Minnesota, and it’s been so rewarding stumbling across the work of others who find inspiration the moment they step out a door. The Midwest is pretty special, isn’t it? Hope you’re enjoying the changing of the leaves. Cheers!

  9. Hello Emily!

    What a beautiful blog you’ve created. We love the way it melds nature with our own sense of insight, curiosity, and delight. It’s always a joy to find such beautiful things on the internet. And you’re right in Minnesota — close enough that we’d all stand a chance of running in to each other while adventuring in some wild place! Keep up the wonderful work — we’ll be posting your blog on our ‘Awesome Nature Blogs’ blogroll.

  10. I love so much going in search of mushrooms, and I hope one day to go abroad and see strange varieties like the one you showed here.

  11. such a weird mushroom! thnaks for sharing the experience guys! i love your work!
    Regards,
    A.A

  12. […] Wild About Nature Blog » Of Mystery Mushrooms and Rare Plants The next day, when we observed our spore prints, the color was totally wrong (bright rust red, instead of olive-brown). We were stumped on our ID, and Kenton reluctantly returned the mushroom to the woods. The day gave us another surprise, however, as we discovered an elusive and beautiful plant that was once almost extirpated from the Wisconsin forests due to over-harvesting. home • contact • blog • fb • twitter to experience pearltrees activate javascript. […]

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