This image gives a sense of scale.
The largest fruiting body was about 15 inches across. I need a species name. Anyone?
I wish I could have captured the constant vapor of spores wafting out from under these monstrous ears of fungus fruiting body.
A Shelf Fungus By Any Other Name
Fred, wondrously, it’s called dryad’s saddle
and it’s delicious. Had my first last fall, when I picked a gigantic one.
if they’re large they can be tough, cook only the tenderer outer edges.
last fall, having moved to rural Driftless Area wisconsin, I also picked
2 hen of the woods (maitake) mushrooms for a total o f 9.5 pounds.
now that is totally delicious. I still have some in the freezer.
Thanks so much. This log has a long fungal life ahead, and it is not far from our regular walk around the place, so we’ll keep an eye on it for future consumption.
synchronistically, I found a large one
this morning
they, like maitakes, regrow several years in the same place
now if only I could find some morels!
Suzanne sounds like a great resource! Serendipity indeed.