Worth a second look

 

Identify, Please

P.S. 8/22/2018 - I called Northport’s resident mushroom expert, Ed Reinert, about the fungus, and he asked if I could e-mail him photographs, which I did. Here is his answer to my question:

“Beautiful photos — better than some of the books. The name is Climacodon septentrionale. It is most often found high up on Sugar Maples. It is not a typical shelf mushroom, most of which are in the order Polypore. This is in the Tooth Mushroom order. The common name is just a translation of the scientific name, Northern Tooth.  

     

“You can google it. I am having a hard time fining anyone who has eaten it. I have seen it a couple of times and have a vague memory that it is sour  and gooey, not attractive eating, but no reason to think it poisonous. It causes heart rot on live Maples or sometimes Beeches.”   

So there we are. I trust Ed’s knowledge, and photos online of Climacodon septentrionale look like what I saw — and what you see above. Now to get word to the people whose trees line that road, as they probably don’t want their maple tree’s heart to rot.

June Morning After Rain

At home, my straw bale garden had sprouted overnight a crop I didn't plan.

In town, anemones along the creek made me smile.

Looking Closely at Fall Colors and Patterns

Fall color comes in every hue, 

from blindingly bright to hushed and quiet.

There is color in fruits, not only leaves.

Wild grapes, as well as domesticated grapes in vineyards,

are hanging ripe on the vine.

Ash leaves! So many different colors!

Asters are the brightest fall flowers

in fields and along roadsides.

Some colors are very subtle

but merit close attention.

Then there are nature's patterns, 

beautiful even with color subtracted